Trades & Labor Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Welder Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median welder salary in Los Angeles, CA is $70,985 per year, which is 51.0% above the national median and 5.6% above the California state average.

City Median
$70,985
vs State Avg
+$3,761
vs National
+$23,975
Cost of Living
146%

Welder Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median welder salary of $70,985, which is $3,761 above the California state average of $67,224. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $70,985 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $48,620. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for welders in Los Angeles spans from $50,132 at the 10th percentile to $106,908 at the 90th percentile — a $56,776 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,320, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $102,680. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Welder Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level welder earns around $48,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,320
+$16,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,480
+$24,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$102,680
+$34,680 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $50,132
25th Percentile $58,588
Median (50th) $70,985
75th Percentile $87,882
90th Percentile $106,908

Welder Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$87,909
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$81,327
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$69,105
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$57,822
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Welder in Los Angeles

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Welder Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open welder positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Welder make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median welder salary in Los Angeles, California is $70,985 per year, which is 51.0% above the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $50,132 (10th percentile) to $106,908 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,985, a welder in Los Angeles earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for welder pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median welder salary of $70,985 is 5.6% above the California state average of $67,224. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $70,985 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Los Angeles? ▼
Most welder positions in Los Angeles require a high school diploma. Key skills include MIG/TIG Welding, Blueprint Reading, Metal Fabrication, Quality Inspection. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.