Welder Salary in Manteca, CA: $54,165 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Manteca, CA earns a median $54,165/year (≈ $26.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Manteca's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $47,891 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manteca, California, the compensation for welders presents a competitive picture within the broader national context. The 2026 median annual welder salary in Manteca is projected at $54,165, slightly below the national median of $55,895. This localized data reveals a salary range for welders in the area from $40,822 at the 10th percentile to $78,220 at the 90th percentile. The salary distribution reflects a diverse market, with pipe welders often commanding higher pay due to specialized skills, particularly in 6G certifications. The demand in Manteca, shaped by regional industrial needs, ultimately drives income variance, establishing a landscape where skilled welders can find rewarding opportunities.
About the Manteca Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,822 | $19.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,705 | $22.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,165 | $26.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,791 | $30.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,220 | $37.60 |
Median Salary Position
3.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manteca
In Manteca, CA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,398 (2026 est.). At $54,165, the local median is 3.1% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manteca: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manteca Welder Pay Compares
Manteca median: $54,165/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manteca Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $55,384 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -3.10% less |
Welders in Manteca, CA earn a median of $54,165 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.10% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.20% below the California state average of $55,384.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manteca has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manteca, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,165 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,891 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,175
2025 BLS Actual
$52,087
2026 Current Est.
$54,165
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Manteca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,175 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,823 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,556 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,069 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,426 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,552 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,087 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,165 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,326 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manteca metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $41,175 (2019) to $52,087 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,326 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,151 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manteca 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) | $40,822 – $47,705 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,705 – $54,165 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,165 – $63,791 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,791 – $78,220 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Manteca
The local job market in Manteca currently employs only 13 welders, which indicates a relatively niche market for these professionals. Adding to the complexity, the cost of living index stands at 113.1, meaning that while salaries may appear modest compared to national averages, the purchasing power can fluctuate significantly in this area. Employers who focus on critical industries, such as oil and gas pipeline welding and aerospace, typically offer superior pay. Factors driving salary disparities include the specialization and certification levels of welders, the types of projects—such as traveling vs. local work—and economic cycles tied to industries like oil and gas. To maximize earnings in the Manteca welding market, securing certifications like AWS or ASME Section IX, pursuing traveling work opportunities, and considering self-employed mobile welding ventures can be effective strategies. Ultimately, understanding these dynamics equips welders with the insights necessary to navigate and thrive in Manteca's evolving job market.
More salary data for Manteca, 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 $52,087 for weldersin the Manteca 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 Manteca 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