TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Welder Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$78,725/yr
Typical range: $77,408 – $91,218
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Welder salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Welder Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $46,461 | $3,872 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $55,495 | $4,625 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $61,518 | $5,127 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $67,368 | $5,614 | +45% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $78,725 | $6,560 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $86,985 | $7,249 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $89,050 | $7,421 | +92% |
Current Salary
$78,725
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $38/hr
Next Level Target
$86,985
Principal · 14
+$8Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
30/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Welder salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Welders in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $79K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Welder make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $79K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $38/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Welder in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Welder in Los Angeles, CA earns $77K–$91K/yr.