TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Welder Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$61,060/yr
Typical range: $59,992 – $70,695
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $61,060 | $5,088 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $72,932 | $6,078 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $80,847 | $6,737 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $88,536 | $7,378 | +45% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $103,462 | $8,622 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $114,317 | $9,526 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $117,031 | $9,753 | +92% |
Current Salary
$61,060
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $29/hr
Next Level Target
$72,932
Junior · 2
+$12Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
30/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Welder salary in San Francisco, CA?
Entry Level Welders in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $61K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Welder make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $61K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $29/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Welder in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Welder in San Francisco, CA earns $102K–$120K/yr.