Welder Hourly Pay in Pittsburg, CA: $26.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Pittsburg, CA runs $26.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,710 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Pittsburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,431 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pittsburg, California, the median welder hourly pay is projected at $26.79 in 2026, closely aligning with the national median of $26.87. For welders working part-time, this rate translates to significant earnings even while maintaining a flexible schedule. For instance, working three days a week could yield around $25,000 annually, making welding appealing for those seeking both income and time for other commitments. Entry-level positions can start as low as $19.14 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command upward of $38.49, showcasing the wide spectrum of hourly pay for welders in diverse environments. Typical work settings in Pittsburg include fabrication shops and pipelines, where welders often execute critical tasks that require skill and precision, making the welder hourly rate in CA an essential topic for workers and employers alike.
About the Pittsburg 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) | $19.14 | $153.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.89 | $183.11 |
| Median (P50) | $26.79 | $214.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.43 | $251.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.49 | $307.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pittsburg
Based on $26.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.79/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pittsburg, CA can expect to earn approximately $55,719 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,145. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pittsburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pittsburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,071.51 | $4,643 | $55,719 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $642.91 | $2,786 | $33,431 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $428.61 | $1,857 | $22,287 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Pittsburg) | $26.79 |
| 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 Pittsburg, CA earn a median of $55,710 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.33% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.50% above the California state average of $55,432.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.79/hr = $33,431/year (purchasing power: $29,559).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,719/year (purchasing power: $49,265).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Pittsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Pittsburg grew 26.5% from $20.36/hr (2019) to $25.76/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.86/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 Pittsburg 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 Pittsburg
Part-time welders in Pittsburg can benefit substantially from strategic choices regarding their work hours, particularly when considering finances. Earning an hourly wage means that those who opt for per-diem positions could boost their overall income significantly; traveling welders often receive base pay ranging from $40-$70 per hour along with daily per diem allowances that can be as high as $175. For welders specializing in refinery work, particularly during shutdowns, the potential to earn between $50 and $80 per hour plus opportunities for double-time work on weekends exists, further enhancing the financial landscape of this profession. Employer types also define earnings, with structural shops to nuclear facility maintenance offering varied rates reflective of the working conditions and required skill sets. Understanding the benefits versus hours worked can guide welders in wage negotiations and career choices, striking a balance between hourly pay and health benefits that may come with some positions throughout Pittsburg.
More salary data for Pittsburg, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Pittsburg in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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 Pittsburg. 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 Pittsburg 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