TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Welder Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$93,222/yr
Typical range: $81,515 – $117,302
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Welder salary by experience level in San Francisco
Welder Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $70,405 | $5,867 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $84,095 | $7,008 | +19% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $93,222 | $7,769 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $102,088 | $8,507 | +45% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $119,298 | $9,942 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $131,814 | $10,985 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $134,943 | $11,245 | +92% |
Current Salary
$93,222
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $45/hr
Next Level Target
$102,088
Senior · 6
+$9Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
30/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Welder salary in San Francisco, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Welders in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $93K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Welder make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $93K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $45/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Welder in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Welder in San Francisco, CA earns $117K–$138K/yr.