Welder Hourly Pay in Union City, CA: $26.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Union City, CA runs $26.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,530 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Union City's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,314 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the welder hourly pay in Union City, CA, is projected to reach a median rate of $26.69 per hour, slightly below the national median of $26.87 per hour. This hourly figure reflects the diverse earning opportunities available for welders in various settings, such as fabrication shops, pipeline welding stations, and shipyards. Welders entering the field may expect to earn around $19.05 per hour, while those with specialized skills or extensive experience could see rates climb to approximately $37.21 per hour. Many welders in Union City also find work part-time, perhaps 24 hours a week, which allows for flexible schedules while still generating a respectable income. Additionally, those operating as per diem workers may earn varying pay rates depending on the project and location, further accentuating the importance of understanding the local labor market dynamics.
About the Union City 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) | $19.05 | $152.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.73 | $189.84 |
| Median (P50) | $26.69 | $213.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.64 | $245.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.21 | $297.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union City
Based on $26.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.69/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union City, CA can expect to earn approximately $55,524 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,033. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,067.77 | $4,627 | $55,524 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $640.66 | $2,776 | $33,314 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $427.11 | $1,851 | $22,210 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Union City) | $26.69 |
| 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 Union City, CA earn a median of $55,530 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.65% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.20% above the California state average of $55,419.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.69/hr = $33,314/year (purchasing power: $29,456).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,524/year (purchasing power: $49,093).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Union City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Union City grew 26.5% from $20.29/hr (2019) to $25.67/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.76/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 Union City 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 Union City
Examining the compensation landscape reveals intriguing insights into the earning potential of welders in Union City. A welder working just three days a week could take home around $33,000 annually, a stark contrast to full-time counterparts earning significantly more. Traveling pipe welders, known for their flexibility, can command base hourly wages between $40-$70, with additional per diem pay ranging from $80 to $175 daily. For instance, during refinery turnarounds, welders might earn between $50 and $80 per hour, including possible double-time on weekends, while underwater welders can secure astounding earnings of up to $3,000 per day. The type of employer also plays a significant role in determining rates—welders in structural steel fabrication or aerospace may find themselves in different pay brackets than those engaged in petrochemical or shipyard work. Moreover, some welders may opt for lower hourly rates with health benefits while others pursue higher wages without them. For those negotiating hourly wages, understanding the local economy and specialized skillsets—such as 6G certification or nuclear qualifications—can provide leverage in discussions, ultimately influencing welder hourly pay in Union City.
More salary data for Union City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Union City. 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 Union City 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