Welder Hourly Pay in Napa, CA: $31.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Napa, CA runs $31.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,399 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Napa's regional price level (BEA RPP 112.6, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,245 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Napa, California, the welder hourly rate is projected to be $31.45 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $26.87. This competitive pay reflects the region's demand for skilled welders and may appeal to both full-time and part-time workers. Part-time welders, working three days a week, can expect to earn about $1,020 a week or nearly $53,000 annually, making this profession a viable option for individuals seeking flexible arrangements. The pay range for welders in Napa spans from $22.30 at the lower end to $43.74 for the highest earners, encompassing a variety of settings such as fabrication shops and pipeline welding stations. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data supports these figures, highlighting Napa's position in the welding landscape within California.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.30 | $178.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.01 | $200.08 |
| Median (P50) | $31.45 | $251.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.46 | $315.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.74 | $349.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Napa
Based on $31.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.45/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Napa, CA can expect to earn approximately $65,409 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,736. With a cost-of-living index of 112.55 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Napa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Napa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,257.86 | $5,451 | $65,409 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $754.72 | $3,270 | $39,245 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $503.15 | $2,180 | $26,164 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Napa) | $31.45 |
| 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 Napa, CA earn a median of $65,399 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.00% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 18.00% above the California state average of $55,423.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.45/hr = $39,245/year (purchasing power: $34,868).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,409/year (purchasing power: $58,113).
CoL index: 112.554 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Napa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Napa grew 25.2% from $24.15/hr (2019) to $30.24/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.70/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 Napa 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 Napa
Accompanying these hourly rates is a dynamic environment for welders, particularly those willing to work per diem or travel. Part-time welders can expect to see substantial earnings, making even a minimal commitment lucrative. Per-diem opportunities are particularly attractive, with traveling pipe welders earning between $80 and $175 daily in addition to a base rate of $40-$70 hourly. Specialized roles, such as refinery turnaround welders during maintenance, can command $50-$80 hourly that significantly increase on weekends. The nature of employment can influence compensation; for instance, structural steel shops may offer a stable wage while oil and gas pipelines might pay more for travel and expertise. Additionally, negotiating benefits is crucial since some welders may choose higher hourly rates without insurance, while others might favor job security and healthcare plans. Understanding these factors will empower welders in Napa to make informed decisions about their careers in a thriving industry.
More salary data for Napa, 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 Napa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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