Welder Salary in Lodi, CA: $52,796 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Lodi, CA earns a median $52,796/year (≈ $25.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Lodi's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $46,681 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lodi, California, the welder salary is projected to reach $52,796 in 2026, which represents a 5.54% lower compensation than the national median of $55,895. This wage reflects the local dynamics of labor supply and demand and encompasses a salary range from $39,627 at the 10th percentile to $75,938 at the 90th percentile. While local shops offer solid salaries, many skilled welders opt for traveling work, particularly pipe welders with certifications like the 6G. These professionals often benefit from additional per-diem compensation and tax-advantaged structures that enhance their overall earnings. Lodi’s robust local economy continues to present varied opportunities, particularly for those willing to pursue specialized positions that push earning potential further.
About the Lodi Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,627 | $19.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,418 | $22.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,796 | $25.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,116 | $29.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,938 | $36.51 |
Median Salary Position
5.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lodi
In Lodi, CA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,311 (2026 est.). At $52,796, the local median is 5.54% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lodi: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lodi Welder Pay Compares
Lodi median: $52,796/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lodi Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $55,399 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -5.54% less |
Welders in Lodi, CA earn a median of $52,796 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.54% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 4.70% below the California state average of $55,399.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lodi has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lodi, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,796 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,681 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,134
2025 BLS Actual
$50,770
2026 Current Est.
$52,796
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Lodi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,134 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,404 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,904 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,227 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,463 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,770 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,796 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,902 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lodi metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $40,134 (2019) to $50,770 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,902 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,768 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lodi 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) | $39,627 – $46,418 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,418 – $52,796 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,796 – $62,116 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,116 – $75,938 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Lodi
The job market for welders in Lodi features around 14 professionals currently employed, indicating a specialized niche that can be both competitive and rewarding. Despite a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which is above the national average, welders can still find ample opportunity, especially if they focus on industries that pay the most, such as the oil and gas pipeline sector or aerospace and defense. Here, skill level, in terms of certification—from 6G pipe to ASME IX—greatly influences earning figures, driving variance in pay depending on specialization. Those engaged in traveling work generally see higher hourly wages, enhanced by per-diem compensation. For individuals in Lodi looking to maximize their pay, pursuing certifications linked to high-demand specialties or considering transitioning into positions that command workplace mobility can be advantageous strategies.
More salary data for Lodi, 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 $50,770 for weldersin the Lodi 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 Lodi 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