Welder Hourly Pay in Rancho Cordova, CA: $26.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Rancho Cordova, CA runs $26.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,950 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Rancho Cordova's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,964 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welder hourly pay in Rancho Cordova, CA, is projected to be around $26.41 for 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median of $26.87 per hour. For welders working part-time, such as those on a three-day workweek, this rate means they can expect to earn approximately $635 per week, or around $2,740 monthly, which provides a viable income for those balancing other commitments or seeking to supplement their earnings. The wage range for welders varies significantly; entry-level positions may start at $18.41 per hour, while experienced welders, particularly those adept in specialized techniques like TIG or MIG welding, can ascend to rates as high as $38.84 per hour in certain settings, including fabrication shops or shipyards.
About the Rancho Cordova 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) | $18.41 | $147.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.72 | $189.76 |
| Median (P50) | $26.41 | $211.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.60 | $244.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.84 | $310.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cordova
Based on $26.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.41/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cordova, CA can expect to earn approximately $54,940 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,696. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cordova.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cordova
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,056.54 | $4,578 | $54,940 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $633.92 | $2,747 | $32,964 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $422.62 | $1,831 | $21,976 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Rancho Cordova) | $26.41 |
| 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 Rancho Cordova, CA earn a median of $54,950 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.69% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.80% below the California state average of $55,394.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.41/hr = $32,964/year (purchasing power: $29,146).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,940/year (purchasing power: $48,576).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Rancho Cordova (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Rancho Cordova grew 26.5% from $20.08/hr (2019) to $25.40/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.47/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 Rancho Cordova 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 Rancho Cordova
The potential earnings for part-time welders in Rancho Cordova could translate to about $15,400 annually when working a reduced schedule, compared to full-time welders who could make over $55,000 per year. This division highlights the financial impact of hours worked. Traveling welders often benefit from per diem payments that can augment their base hourly wage considerably. For example, pipeline welders might earn between $40 and $70 per hour, and receive $80-$175 daily in per diem on top of their hourly pay. In refinery turnaround scenarios, welders can command rates of $50-$80 per hour, sometimes earning double time on weekends. As with many trades, some professionals in Rancho Cordova may choose lower hourly wages for the security of benefits, while those who are self-employed can charge significantly higher rates, ensuring those with the right certifications can negotiate favorable terms. Understanding the market dynamics and potential employer types—from structural fabricators to the oil and gas sector—can help welders better position themselves for optimal hourly pay.
More salary data for Rancho Cordova, 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 Rancho Cordova. 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 Rancho Cordova 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