Welder Salary in Chino, CA: $56,021 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Chino, CA earns a median $56,021/year (≈ $26.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Chino's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $49,532 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Chino, California can expect a median annual salary of $56,021, slightly above the national median of $55,895. Salary ranges indicate considerable variability, with figures spanning from $40,715 for the lowest earners to $78,946 for those in the upper echelon of the profession. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. For welders seeking local employment, it’s crucial to assess how the economics of traveling pipe welding, often featuring per-diem compensation and tax advantages, compare to local shop pay. This dynamic creates a competitive atmosphere for welders, especially considering the demand for specialized skills in various sectors within Chino's job market.
About the Chino Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,715 | $19.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,253 | $23.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,021 | $26.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,933 | $31.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,946 | $37.96 |
Median Salary Position
0.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chino
In Chino, CA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,231 (2026 est.). At $56,021, the local median is 0.23% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chino: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chino Welder Pay Compares
Chino median: $56,021/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chino Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $55,412 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +0.23% more |
Welders in Chino, CA earn a median of $56,021 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.23% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 1.10% above the California state average of $55,412.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chino has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chino, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $56,021 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,532 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,586
2025 BLS Actual
$53,872
2026 Current Est.
$56,021
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Chino (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,586 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,290 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,117 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,648 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,051 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,901 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,872 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,021 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,257 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chino metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $42,586 (2019) to $53,872 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,257 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,671 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chino 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) | $40,715 – $48,253 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,253 – $56,021 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,021 – $64,933 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,933 – $78,946 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Chino
Currently, Chino employs 17 welders, reflecting a localized market with specific strengths. The cost of living index in the area sits at 113.1, indicating that expenses are higher than the national average, which can affect take-home pay. Opportunities for welders paying higher rates typically lie within structural steel fabrication, oil and gas pipeline projects, and specialized sectors such as nuclear power plant maintenance and aerospace welding. The variation between salaries can also be attributed to certification levels; those with 6G pipe certification and ASME IX accreditation generally earn more than their peers. Traveling positions provide advantageous pay structures, where benefits such as per-diem can add significant value to the overall compensation package. For those in Chino seeking to maximize their welder pay, pursuing certifications and considering roles that engage in the oil and gas sectors could yield substantial financial benefits in the long run.
More salary data for Chino, 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
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 $53,872 for weldersin the Chino 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 Chino 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