Welder Salary in San Francisco, CA
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Trades · COL Index: 179.6
$63,890
Median Salary
$71,390
Mean Salary
$35,573
COL-Adjusted
1,940
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $49,620 | $27,628 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,080 | $31,782 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $63,890 | $35,573 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,620 | $43,775 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $102,200 | $56,904 |
What Drives the Range
The $52,580 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Welder positions in San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA's cost-of-living index of 179.6 means that a $63,890 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $35,573 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.