Welder Hourly Pay in Rialto, CA: $27.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Rialto, CA runs $27.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,428 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Rialto's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,859 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rialto, California, welders earn a median hourly rate of $27.13, which slightly exceeds the national median of $26.87. This rate allows for diverse working arrangements, including part-time schedules typical of fabrication shop environments or per-diem roles in specialized settings like pipeline welding or refinery maintenance. For welders operating in Rialto, the hourly pay ranges from $18.80 at the entry level to $39.36 for the most experienced individuals. These figures represent estimates derived from annual salary data, translating into potential opportunities for welders in various tasks, such as those found on the production lines of manufacturing plants or in the demanding conditions of nuclear power plant maintenance.
About the Rialto 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) | $18.80 | $150.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.72 | $181.77 |
| Median (P50) | $27.13 | $217.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.91 | $255.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.36 | $314.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rialto
Based on $27.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.13/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rialto, CA can expect to earn approximately $56,432 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,557. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rialto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rialto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,085.24 | $4,703 | $56,432 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $651.14 | $2,822 | $33,859 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $434.10 | $1,881 | $22,573 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Rialto) | $27.13 |
| 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 Rialto, CA earn a median of $56,428 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.95% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 1.80% above the California state average of $55,430.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.13/hr = $33,859/year (purchasing power: $29,938).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,432/year (purchasing power: $49,896).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Rialto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Rialto grew 26.5% from $20.62/hr (2019) to $26.09/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.21/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 Rialto 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 Rialto
Analyzing the financial landscape for welders in Rialto reveals interesting trends in part-time versus full-time employment. A welder working three days a week, accumulating around 24 hours, would typically earn around $33,657 annually, while a full-time position could result in approximately $56,428. Additionally, per-diem welders, especially those involved in pipeline projects, commonly receive competitive rates, with daily allowances ranging between $80 to $175 and hourly wages from $40 to $70. Welders in refinery shutdowns may see hourly earnings elevated to $50-$80, especially during overtime shifts, while owner-operators with mobile rigs can command rates from $90 to $160 per hour, plus expenses. The numerous industry segments in Rialto, including structural fabrication and aerospace, create varying pay structures, allowing welders to negotiate based on their qualifications, such as AWS certification or a 6G pipe certification. When weighing benefits, some welders may opt for lower hourly rates that include health insurance, knowing their skills are in high demand, thus making informed decisions about their career trajectory.
More salary data for Rialto, 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 Rialto. 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 Rialto 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