Welder Salary in Chico, CA: $50,685 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Chico, CA earns a median $50,685/year (≈ $24.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Chico's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.2), that paycheck buys what $50,085 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.5% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Welders in Chico, California, can expect a median annual salary of $50,685 in 2026, revealing a competitive pay landscape relative to the national figure of $55,895. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $41,097 at the lower end to $69,715 at the higher end, indicating opportunities for welders with varying experience and specialization. This information is derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, highlighting the importance of certifications and skills in maximizing earning potential. Particularly, the local market can benefit those willing to invest in mobile rig ownership to access higher-paying projects, reflecting Chico's unique economic conditions and demand for skilled labor.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,097 | $19.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,231 | $23.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,685 | $24.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,198 | $29.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,715 | $33.52 |
Median Salary Position
9.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chico
In Chico, CA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,618 (2026 est.). At $50,685, the local median is 9.32% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chico: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chico Welder Pay Compares
Chico median: $50,685/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chico Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $55,393 | -8.50% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -9.32% less |
Welders in Chico, CA earn a median of $50,685 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.32% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 8.50% below the California state average of $55,393.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chico has a cost of living 1.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chico, CA has a cost-of-living index of 101.197 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,685 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $50,085 — a 1.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,490
2025 BLS Actual
$48,740
2026 Current Est.
$50,685
2019–2027 Growth
+40.6%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,490 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,550 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,740 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,685 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,707 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chico metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 30.0% from $37,490 (2019) to $48,740 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,707 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,217 (40.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico 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) | $41,097 – $48,231 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,231 – $50,685 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,685 – $61,198 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,198 – $69,715 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Chico
In Chico, there are approximately 160 welders employed, reflecting a solid presence for this trade in the local job market. The cost-of-living index, which sits at 101.197, slightly above the national average, will influence take-home pay and affordability in the area. Employers such as structural steel fabrication shops and petrochemical turnaround crews tend to offer the most lucrative positions, with pay varying significantly based on factors like certifications, specialty work, and the nature of employment (traveling vs. local). For instance, welders possessing the 6G pipe certification or those involved in underwater and nuclear work can command premium wages, while companies may offer additional per diem for traveling jobs, enhancing overall compensation. To effectively boost earnings in this market, welders should focus on acquiring advanced certifications and seeking positions with organizations that provide substantial benefits and opportunities for advancement.
More salary data for Chico, 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
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 $48,740 for weldersin the Chico 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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