Welder Hourly Pay in La Habra, CA: $25.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in La Habra, CA runs $25.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,503 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against La Habra's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,107 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In La Habra, California, the projected median hourly pay for welders in 2026 stands at $25.73, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $26.87. This wage reflects a range that allows for varying experience levels, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $18.86 and more experienced welders, particularly in specialized fields such as nuclear or underwater welding, potentially earning up to $37.38 per hour. For those contemplating part-time work—such as a three-day work week—this translates into a stable income suitable for a variety of personal circumstances, especially in environments like fabrication shops or pipeline welding stations. Additionally, per-diem workers in La Habra may see different incentives, making the overall hourly dynamics attractive for those who choose to navigate diverse welding scenarios.
About the La Habra 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) | $18.86 | $150.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.29 | $178.28 |
| Median (P50) | $25.73 | $205.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.49 | $243.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.38 | $299.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Habra
Based on $25.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.73/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Habra, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,512 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,873. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in La Habra.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Habra
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,029.09 | $4,459 | $53,512 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $617.45 | $2,676 | $32,107 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $411.63 | $1,784 | $21,405 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (La Habra) | $25.73 |
| 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 La Habra, CA earn a median of $53,503 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.28% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 3.40% below the California state average of $55,386.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.73/hr = $32,107/year (purchasing power: $28,389).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,512/year (purchasing power: $47,314).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in La Habra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in La Habra grew 26.5% from $19.56/hr (2019) to $24.74/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.75/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 La Habra 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 La Habra
Considering the potential earnings across various employment models, a welder working just three days per week can earn a solid income while maintaining the flexibility that part-time schedules offer. For instance, a welder in La Habra committing to 24 hours weekly could take home around $31,904 a year—a respectable figure compared to full-time wages. On the flip side, welders engaged in per-diem roles shift the financial landscape significantly; on larger projects, traveling pipe welders command a base rate of $40-$70 per hour combined with per-diem payments ranging from $80 to $175 daily, adding substantial earning potential. The diversity in hourly rates across different sectors allows welders to strategically choose their path, whether through traditional employment in manufacturing or pursuing owner-operator opportunities. In addition, practical negotiation can help welders secure health benefits versus higher hourly pay without them, emphasizing the need to evaluate their unique situations and market conditions.
More salary data for La Habra, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in La Habra in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in La Habra?
Are welders in La Habra paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in La Habra?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in La Habra?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 La Habra. 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 La Habra 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