Welder Hourly Pay in Lodi, CA: $25.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Lodi, CA runs $25.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,796 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Lodi's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,679 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lodi, California, the welder hourly pay stands at a median of $25.38, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $26.87. This pay rate reflects various work environments, such as fabrication shops, pipeline welding, and manufacturing plants, where welders typically operate. For part-time welders working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a decent income that can complement other pursuits or obligations. Entry-level positions start at approximately $19.05, rising to about $36.51 for more experienced welders focusing on specialized projects like those in the nuclear or aerospace sectors. These figures are derived from annual salaries, illustrating a range that allows for various engagements, from per diem work to employment that demands consistent hours and skillsets across Lodi's diverse welding industry.
About the Lodi 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) | $19.05 | $152.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.32 | $178.53 |
| Median (P50) | $25.38 | $203.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.87 | $238.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.51 | $292.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lodi
Based on $25.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.38/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lodi, CA can expect to earn approximately $52,799 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,461. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lodi.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lodi
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,015.36 | $4,400 | $52,799 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $609.22 | $2,640 | $31,679 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $406.14 | $1,760 | $21,119 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Lodi) | $25.38 |
| 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 Lodi, CA earn a median of $52,796 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.54% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 4.70% below the California state average of $55,399.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.38/hr = $31,679/year (purchasing power: $28,010).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,799/year (purchasing power: $46,683).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Lodi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Lodi grew 26.5% from $19.30/hr (2019) to $24.41/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.40/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 Lodi 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 Lodi
Part-time welders in Lodi can expect to earn noticeably less annually compared to their full-time counterparts. For example, a welder working 24 hours a week could take home significantly different figures based on their hourly rate and job type. Agency or per diem work, which is common in traveling roles, can dramatically boost earnings; welders may receive between $80 and $175 per day in per diem on top of base wages ranging from $40 to $70 per hour. During high-demand events like refinery turnarounds, pay rates can surge to $50-$80 per hour, with opportunities for double-time on weekends. In Lodi, hourly rates fluctuate depending on the employer, whether in structural steel fabrication, pipeline construction, or specialized nuclear power maintenance. Welders might choose lower-paying jobs with benefits for stability or opt for higher hourly rates without the safety net of health insurance, each decision influenced by personal circumstances and market demand.
More salary data for Lodi, 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 Lodi. 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 Lodi 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