Welder Salary in Moreno Valley, CA: $55,920 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Moreno Valley, CA earns a median $55,920/year (≈ $26.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Moreno Valley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $49,443 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moreno Valley, CA, the projected median annual salary for welders in 2026 stands at $55,920, reflecting a slight edge over the national median of $55,895. The salary range is noteworthy, with the lower 10% earning around $39,490, while the top 90% reach up to $83,898. These figures, drawn from BLS state-level data and regional economic adjustments, highlight the competitive nature of the welder market in this city. Among the different welding specialties, pipe welders often dominate compensation figures, particularly those with 6G certifications and skills in advanced processes like TIG. With a robust job market supporting 53 welders, opportunities abound for qualified professionals looking to advance their careers in this region.
About the Moreno Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,490 | $18.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,566 | $22.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,920 | $26.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,214 | $32.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,898 | $40.34 |
Median Salary Position
0.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moreno Valley
In Moreno Valley, CA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,408 (2026 est.). At $55,920, the local median is 0.04% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Moreno Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Moreno Valley Welder Pay Compares
Moreno Valley median: $55,920/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moreno Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $55,421 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +0.04% more |
Welders in Moreno Valley, CA earn a median of $55,920 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.04% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 0.90% above the California state average of $55,421.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moreno Valley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Moreno Valley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $55,920 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,443 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,509
2025 BLS Actual
$53,774
2026 Current Est.
$55,920
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Moreno Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,509 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,210 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,031 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,561 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,962 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,772 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,774 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,920 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,151 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moreno Valley metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $42,509 (2019) to $53,774 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,151 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,642 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moreno Valley 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) | $39,490 – $47,566 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,566 – $55,920 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,920 – $68,214 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,214 – $83,898 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Moreno Valley
With a cost of living index of 113.1 in Moreno Valley, welders face unique financial dynamics that impact their purchasing power. The primary employers range from oil and gas pipeline welders to structural steel fabrication shops, with pay disparities driven by expertise, travel requirements, and project types. Certifications such as 6G pipe and ASME IX significantly enhance earning potential, especially in specialized fields like aerospace and nuclear welding. Additionally, trends like rig welder ownership can require considerable upfront investments but may lead to substantial returns with rates hitting $40–$70/hr for traveling jobs. The variation in welder pay in Moreno Valley is influenced by specific skills, geographical demand, and the cyclical nature of local industries. For welders keen on maximizing their earnings, pursuing higher certifications and seeking opportunities with in-demand employers can significantly improve their financial standing in 2026 and beyond.
More salary data for Moreno Valley, 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 $53,774 for weldersin the Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley 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