Welder Salary in Compton, CA: $54,876 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Compton, CA earns a median $54,876/year (≈ $26.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Compton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $48,520 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Compton, California, the projected median salary for welders in 2026 is $54,876, which is slightly below the national median of $55,895. Local wages vary significantly, ranging from $38,049 at the 10th percentile to $77,042 at the 90th percentile. This pay gradient often reflects the type of welding work performed; for instance, pipe welders, especially those with 6G certifications, tend to command higher wages compared to their structural or production counterparts. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions and cost of living in Compton. As the job market evolves, opportunities within sectors like aerospace and oil pipeline welding are likely to be key drivers for achieving higher income levels in the region.
About the Compton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,049 | $18.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,184 | $23.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,876 | $26.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,431 | $30.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,042 | $37.04 |
Median Salary Position
1.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Compton
In Compton, CA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,993 (2026 est.). At $54,876, the local median is 1.82% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Compton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Compton Welder Pay Compares
Compton median: $54,876/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Compton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $55,430 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -1.82% less |
Welders in Compton, CA earn a median of $54,876 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.82% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.00% below the California state average of $55,430.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Compton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Compton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,876 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,520 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,715
2025 BLS Actual
$52,770
2026 Current Est.
$54,876
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Compton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,715 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,384 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,153 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,673 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,048 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,451 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,770 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,876 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,065 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Compton metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $41,715 (2019) to $52,770 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,065 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,350 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Compton 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) | $38,049 – $49,184 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,184 – $54,876 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,876 – $63,431 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,431 – $77,042 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Compton
Employers in Compton primarily seeking welders include those in manufacturing, construction, and specialized sectors such as oil and gas. With only 25 welders currently employed in the area, the opportunities may seem limited, but the local job market's strength lies in niche industries that often pay higher wages. The cost of living in Compton sits at a CoL index of 113.1, which means that while pay may be slightly lower than the national average, every dollar earned may stretch less than in regions with lower living costs. To maximize pay in this market, aspiring welders should consider focusing on advanced certifications like AWS or ASME certifications, specializing in high-demand areas such as nuclear or underwater welding, and being open to mobile and traveling positions that offer valuable per-diem benefits. Understanding these dynamics is essential for navigating compensation expectations and career growth effectively.
More salary data for Compton, 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 $52,770 for weldersin the Compton 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 Compton 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