Welder Hourly Pay in Thousand Oaks, CA: $27.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Thousand Oaks, CA runs $27.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,508 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Thousand Oaks's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,911 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Thousand Oaks, California, welders earn a median hourly pay of $27.17, slightly exceeding the national median of $26.87. This competitive rate reflects the city's unique cost of living and demand for skilled workers in various industries. For part-time welders working around three days a week, the hourly wage translates to a reasonable earning potential. For those engaged in per-diem work, opportunities abound in settings such as fabrication shops or pipeline projects, where hourly earnings could be complemented by additional per-diem pay. Entry-level welders might start at an hourly rate of approximately $20.43, while seasoned professionals in specialized fields could command upwards of $40.48. With the projected growth in the welding sector, the hourly pay landscape in Thousand Oaks has the potential to attract more workers to this essential trade.
About the Thousand Oaks 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) | $20.43 | $163.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.97 | $191.76 |
| Median (P50) | $27.17 | $217.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.59 | $260.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.48 | $323.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thousand Oaks
Based on $27.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.17/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thousand Oaks, CA can expect to earn approximately $56,519 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,607. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Thousand Oaks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thousand Oaks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,086.90 | $4,710 | $56,519 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $652.14 | $2,826 | $33,911 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $434.76 | $1,884 | $22,608 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Thousand Oaks) | $27.17 |
| 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 Thousand Oaks, CA earn a median of $56,508 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.10% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.00% above the California state average of $55,400.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.17/hr = $33,911/year (purchasing power: $29,984).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,519/year (purchasing power: $49,973).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Thousand Oaks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Thousand Oaks grew 26.5% from $20.66/hr (2019) to $26.13/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.26/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 Thousand Oaks 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 Thousand Oaks
Despite a stable hourly rate, part-time welders in Thousand Oaks may find their annual earnings differ significantly from their full-time counterparts. For instance, a 24-hour work week could yield around $34,000 per year, a reasonable sum, yet still not approaching the incomes of those working full-time. Traveling welders, especially in in-demand areas like oil and gas, can significantly boost earnings through per-diem arrangements, often receiving $80-$175 daily along with a base rate of $40-$70 per hour. Turnaround welders at refineries could earn between $50-$80 per hour during peak periods, and owner-operators running rig welding businesses can charge anywhere from $90 to $160 per hour, factoring in their equipment and operational costs. However, benefits can weigh heavily in decisions; some welders may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance while others prioritize higher rates without benefits. For wage negotiation, understanding the local pay scale and presenting certifications can provide leverage in discussions, especially in a market showing a 3.99% projected growth rate.
More salary data for Thousand Oaks, 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 Thousand Oaks. 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 Thousand Oaks 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