Welder Salary in Antioch, CA: $54,727 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Antioch, CA earns a median $54,727/year (≈ $26.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Antioch's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $48,388 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Antioch, California, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $54,727, reflecting a slightly lower figure compared to the national median of $55,895. The salaries exhibit a significant range, with entry-level positions starting at around $39,565 and experienced welders earning up to $81,442 annually. These estimates derive from 2025 BLS data and account for local cost adjustments, making them relevant for those considering job opportunities in the region. The potential for higher earnings attracts many to the welding trade, particularly through specialized pathways or self-employment. Indeed, business ownership for rig welders can present lucrative opportunities, albeit requiring considerable investment in equipment and mobility to secure higher hourly rates.
About the Antioch Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,565 | $19.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,106 | $22.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,727 | $26.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,714 | $31.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,442 | $39.15 |
Median Salary Position
2.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Antioch
In Antioch, CA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,877 (2026 est.). At $54,727, the local median is 2.09% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Antioch: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Antioch Welder Pay Compares
Antioch median: $54,727/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Antioch Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $55,392 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -2.09% less |
Welders in Antioch, CA earn a median of $54,727 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.09% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.20% below the California state average of $55,392.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Antioch has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Antioch, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,727 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,388 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$41,602
2025 BLS Actual
$52,627
2026 Current Est.
$54,727
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Antioch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,602 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,267 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,028 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,547 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,917 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,262 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,627 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,727 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,910 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Antioch metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $41,602 (2019) to $52,627 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,910 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,308 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Antioch 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $39,565 – $47,106 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,106 – $54,727 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,727 – $65,714 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,714 – $81,442 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Antioch
Antioch's local job market comprises a modest workforce of just 17 welders, indicating a niche but potentially lucrative space. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, which implies that while purchasing power may feel compressed, the demand for skilled welders remains steady in this driven market. Top-paying employers include structural steel fabrication shops and those involved in the oil and gas sector, where pipeline welding offers high remuneration. The differentiation in pay often aligns with certifications, such as 6G pipe qualifications, and specialty experience in fields like nuclear or aerospace welding. For welders aiming to maximize their pay, securing trade-specific certifications—particularly in high-demand processes—coupled with strategic career moves toward traveling positions can make a substantial difference in overall earnings in Antioch, CA.
More salary data for Antioch, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do welders make in Antioch, CA in 2026?
Is Antioch, CA a good place to work as a welder?
Can welders make $100K in Antioch?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted welder salary in Antioch?
How much does a welder make per hour in Antioch?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $52,627 for weldersin the Antioch metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Antioch 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