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Welder Salary in Stockton, CA

How much does a welder make in Stockton? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Stockton's cost of living.

Median Salary
$50,340
per year in Stockton
Entry Level
$26,543
Starting salary
Senior Level
$69,560
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
128
28% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how welder salaries break down across different pay periods in Stockton.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$26,543$50,340$69,560
Monthly$2,212$4,195$5,797
Biweekly$1,021$1,936$2,675
Weekly$510$968$1,338
Hourly$13$24$33

Stockton vs National Average

How Stockton's welder salaries compare to national figures.

Stockton Salary
$50,340
COL Index: 128
National Average
$64,660
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$14,320
Lower in Stockton

Cost of Living in Stockton

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,850
per month
Median Income
$53,234
per year
Population
330,556
residents
Rent % of Income
41.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 128 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Stockton have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Welder

Overview

Join metal parts using welding techniques and equipment.

Education

High school diploma; welding certification required

Key Skills

Welding TechniquesMetal WorkSafetyBlueprint Reading

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +11% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Welder Salary

See Welder salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$60,840
+21%
Los Angeles, CA
$58,200
+16%
Chicago, IL
$50,700
+1%
Houston, TX
$53,810
+7%
Phoenix, AZ
$54,650
+9%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Welder Salary in Stockton, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a welder in Stockton, CA is $50,340 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 128. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Stockton's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level welder professionals in Stockton can expect to earn around $26,543 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level welders earning approximately $69,560 per year. This represents a 162% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Stockton's cost of living index of 128 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Stockton are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $64,660, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a welder's salary in Stockton typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,850 per month, housing represents about 44.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Welders are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 11% over the next decade. In Stockton, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.