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Welder Salary in Fresno, CA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Fresno's cost of living (index: 103). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Welder Salary in Fresno β€” Key Numbers

$48,966
Median Salary
$38,594
25th Percentile
$62,294
75th Percentile
$78,826
90th Percentile
National median (Welder)$47,540
vs. National median+3.0%
Fresno median household income$56,600
vs. City household income-13.5%

Cost of Living in Fresno

Cost of Living Index
103(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,273/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio31.2%
Annual rent cost$15,276
Median Home Price$345,000
Home Price / Salary7.0Γ—
20% Down Payment$69,000
Years to save (20% rate)7.0 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Fresno

7.2%
Unemployment Rate
1,010,000
Metro Population
24 min
Avg Commute
31.7
Median Age

Fresno has a metro population of 1,010,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 7.2% unemployment rate is above the national average, which may reflect broader economic conditions in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Welder make in Fresno, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Welder in Fresno is $48,966 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $47,540 adjusted by Fresno's cost of living index (103). The typical salary range runs from $38,594 (25th percentile) to $62,294 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $78,826.

Is Fresno affordable for a Welder?

On a $48,966 annual salary, a Welder in Fresno would spend approximately 31.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,273/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $345,000 is 7.0Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Welder's salary compare to Fresno's overall income?

Fresno's median household income is $56,600. A Welder earning the city-adjusted median of $48,966 earns 13.5% less than the typical Fresno household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Fresno has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.