Trades & Labor Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Welder Salary in Sacramento, California

The median welder salary in Sacramento, CA is $57,822 per year, which is 23.0% above the national median and 14% below the California state average.

City Median
$57,822
vs State Avg
$-9,402
vs National
+$10,812
Cost of Living
118%

Welder Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median welder salary of $57,822, which is $9,402 below the California state average of $67,224. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $57,822 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $49,002. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for welders in Sacramento spans from $40,836 at the 10th percentile to $87,084 at the 90th percentile — a $46,248 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,360, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,640. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Welder Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level welder earns around $39,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,360
+$7,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,040
+$11,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,640
+$15,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $40,836
25th Percentile $47,724
Median (50th) $57,822
75th Percentile $71,586
90th Percentile $87,084

Welder Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$87,909
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$81,327
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$70,985
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$69,105
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Welder in Sacramento

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Sacramento 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 Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Welder Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open welder positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Welder make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median welder salary in Sacramento, California is $57,822 per year, which is 23.0% above the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $40,836 (10th percentile) to $87,084 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,822, a welder in Sacramento earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for welder pay? ▼
Sacramento's median welder salary of $57,822 is 14% below the California state average of $67,224. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $57,822 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Sacramento? ▼
Most welder positions in Sacramento 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.