Trades & Labor San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Welder Salary in San Francisco, California

The median welder salary in San Francisco, CA is $87,909 per year, which is 87.0% above the national median and 30.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$87,909
vs State Avg
+$20,685
vs National
+$40,899
Cost of Living
182%

Welder Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median welder salary of $87,909, which is $20,685 above the California state average of $67,224. Compared to the national median of $47,010, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $87,909 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $48,302. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for welders in San Francisco spans from $62,084 at the 10th percentile to $132,396 at the 90th percentile — a $70,312 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,840, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,160. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Welder Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level welder earns around $59,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,840
+$27,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,760
+$41,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,160
+$59,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $62,084
25th Percentile $72,556
Median (50th) $87,909
75th Percentile $108,834
90th Percentile $132,396

Welder Salary in Other California Cities

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
Sacramento, CA
$57,822
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Welder in San Francisco

Education

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

Find Welder Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open welder positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Welder make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median welder salary in San Francisco, California is $87,909 per year, which is 87.0% above the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $62,084 (10th percentile) to $132,396 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,909, a welder in San Francisco earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for welder pay? ▼
San Francisco's median welder salary of $87,909 is 30.8% above the California state average of $67,224. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $87,909 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in San Francisco? ▼
Most welder positions in San Francisco 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.