Welder Hourly Pay in Inglewood, CA: $27.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Inglewood, CA runs $27.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,535 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Inglewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,924 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Inglewood welders can expect a median hourly rate of $27.18 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $26.87. This rate reflects the competitive nature of welding jobs in diverse environments, from fabrication shops to oil and gas pipeline projects. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this translates to a weekly income of approximately $651.84, providing a solid financial foundation although it may limit overall earnings compared to full-time positions. The hourly wage range in Inglewood shows significant variation, with entry-level welders earning around $18.93, while top earners can take home as much as $41.30 per hour. These figures indicate ample opportunities for skilled welders in various sectors, making a strong case for pursuing welding certifications such as those from AWS or NCCER to enhance earning potential.
About the Inglewood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.93 | $151.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.83 | $182.61 |
| Median (P50) | $27.18 | $217.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.44 | $251.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.30 | $330.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Inglewood
Based on $27.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.18/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Inglewood, CA can expect to earn approximately $56,541 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,620. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Inglewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Inglewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,087.32 | $4,712 | $56,541 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $652.39 | $2,827 | $33,924 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $434.93 | $1,885 | $22,616 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Inglewood) | $27.18 |
| Machinist (National Avg) | $25.72 |
| Sheet Metal Worker (National Avg) | $28.93 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Boilermaker (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Welders in Inglewood, CA earn a median of $56,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.15% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.00% above the California state average of $55,427.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.18/hr = $33,924/year (purchasing power: $29,995).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,541/year (purchasing power: $49,992).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Inglewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Inglewood grew 26.5% from $20.66/hr (2019) to $26.14/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.27/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem welders can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Inglewood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Welder in Inglewood
A part-time welder putting in 24 hours a week based on the aforementioned hourly rate would take home about $33,881 annually, a notable figure for someone balancing multiple commitments. Per-diem welders also have varied earnings, with traveling professionals often receiving base rates of $40 to $70 per hour, plus per diem rates ranging from $80 to $175 daily, significantly boosting overall compensation. In the Inglewood area, contract positions in refinement turnaround operations can offer welders between $50 and $80 an hour, especially during shutdown periods. Self-employed rig welding operators could command even higher rates, fetching from $90 to $160 per hour. With benefit options often being a trade-off, welders may choose jobs that pay higher hourly rates but with no health benefits, or opt for positions with lower hourly pay offering comprehensive health packages. Understanding the hourly dynamics, negotiating skills are vital for welders to maximize pay while considering their long-term goals in the field.
More salary data for Inglewood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for welders in Inglewood. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Inglewood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov