Welder Salary in Oxnard, CA: $56,737 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Oxnard, CA earns a median $56,737/year (≈ $27.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Oxnard's price level (11% above national, BEA RPP 110.5), that paycheck buys what $51,330 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the welder salary in Oxnard, CA, is projected to reach a median of $56,737, which positions it slightly above the national average of $55,895. When considering the full salary spectrum, welders in this region earn anywhere from $42,314 at the lower end to $83,317 for top earners, indicating a diversified wage range that reflects various skill levels and welding specializations. The local market benefits from a combination of structural steel fabrication and more specialized welding services, with pipe welders typically commanding higher rates due to the complexities involved, especially for those with certifications such as 6G and ASME IX. The competitive dynamics in Oxnard's job market shape these salary figures, reflecting both the economic conditions and the demand for skilled welders.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,314 | $20.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,770 | $23.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,737 | $27.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,814 | $32.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,317 | $40.06 |
Median Salary Position
1.51% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oxnard
In Oxnard, CA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,003 (2026 est.). At $56,737, the local median is 1.51% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oxnard: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oxnard Welder Pay Compares
Oxnard median: $56,737/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oxnard Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $55,407 | +2.40% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +1.51% more |
Welders in Oxnard, CA earn a median of $56,737 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.51% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.40% above the California state average of $55,407.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oxnard has a cost of living 10.53% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oxnard, CA has a cost-of-living index of 110.534 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $56,737 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $51,330 — a 9.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,480
2025 BLS Actual
$54,560
2026 Current Est.
$56,737
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Oxnard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,480 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,140 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,737 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,001 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oxnard metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 31.5% from $41,480 (2019) to $54,560 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,001 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,521 (42.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oxnard 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) | $42,314 – $49,770 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,770 – $56,737 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,737 – $66,814 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,814 – $83,317 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Oxnard
The job market for welders in Oxnard currently employs around 580 professionals, providing a stable foundation for this trade. With a cost of living index of 110.534, it’s crucial for welders to understand their purchasing power relative to their wage. Employers in sectors like the oil and gas pipeline industry, shipyards, and aerospace typically offer higher compensation, driven by the demanding skills required and the nature of the projects. Factors such as certification levels, specialty skills, and whether welding work is travel-based also contribute to variations in pay. For instance, owning a rig welder truck represents a significant investment, potentially yielding higher income through specialized projects. Therefore, welders looking to maximize their pay in Oxnard should consider advancing their qualifications, pursuing specialized certifications, and exploring opportunities in high-demand sectors.
More salary data for Oxnard, 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 $54,560 for weldersin the Oxnard 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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