Welder Hourly Pay in San Buenaventura, CA: $26.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in San Buenaventura, CA runs $26.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,958 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against San Buenaventura's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,574 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welder hourly pay in San Buenaventura, California, is projected to reach $26.90 in 2026, slightly higher than the national median of $26.87 for welders in the same year. This competitive rate offers valuable opportunities for part-time workers, who might engage in positions like fabrication shop production or mobile rig welding setups. For welders working three days a week, this translates to an hourly income that can significantly contribute to overall financial stability. Entry-level welders can expect to earn around $20.30 per hour, while top earners in specialized sectors like nuclear power or underwater welding see hourly rates climb to $40.32. Understanding this range can be crucial for negotiators, especially in a region with a cost of living index of 113.1, as welders aim to maximize their benefits in various work environments.
About the San Buenaventura 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) | $20.30 | $162.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.86 | $190.84 |
| Median (P50) | $26.90 | $215.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.40 | $259.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.32 | $322.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Buenaventura
Based on $26.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.90/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Buenaventura, CA can expect to earn approximately $55,957 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,283. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Buenaventura.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Buenaventura
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,076.09 | $4,663 | $55,957 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $645.65 | $2,798 | $33,574 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $430.44 | $1,865 | $22,383 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (San Buenaventura) | $26.90 |
| 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 San Buenaventura, CA earn a median of $55,958 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.11% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 1.00% above the California state average of $55,404.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.90/hr = $33,574/year (purchasing power: $29,685).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,957/year (purchasing power: $49,475).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in San Buenaventura (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in San Buenaventura grew 26.5% from $20.45/hr (2019) to $25.87/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.98/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 San Buenaventura 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 San Buenaventura
For those considering part-time opportunities, working as a welder three days per week could yield substantial take-home pay, resulting in annual earnings that can approach $33,000. In contrast, full-time welders enjoy a greater financial cushion, with potential annual earnings exceeding $55,958 based on typical schedules. The per-diem landscape for welders in San Buenaventura can also enhance earnings; for instance, traveling pipe welders command base rates of $40-$70 per hour, supplemented by per diem allowances that range from $80 to $175 per day. Additionally, those involved in refinery turnaround projects during shutdowns can earn between $50 and $80 an hour, particularly if they work weekends at double time. While some may favor positions that offer higher hourly pay with no benefits, opting for jobs with lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance can provide a safety net. Ultimately, negotiations should factor in the diverse employer environments ranging from structural fabrication to aerospace, as well as the trade-offs in stability versus potential earnings.
More salary data for San Buenaventura, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in San Buenaventura in 2026?
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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 San Buenaventura. 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 San Buenaventura 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