Welder Salary in San Diego, CA
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Trades · COL Index: 160.2
$62,800
Median Salary
$64,810
Mean Salary
$39,201
COL-Adjusted
2,730
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $46,410 | $28,970 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,880 | $31,136 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $62,800 | $39,201 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,150 | $46,286 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $82,030 | $51,205 |
What Drives the Range
The $35,620 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Welder positions in San Diego, CA reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
San Diego, CA's cost-of-living index of 160.2 means that a $62,800 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $39,201 in an average-cost U.S. city. Despite the higher cost of living, this metro area offers a deep talent pool and typically higher total compensation when including equity and bonuses.