Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters salary in California
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters in California earn a median of $57,590 a year ($27.69 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,420 workers.
Pay ranges from $45,140 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,110 for the top 10%. That is 12% higher than the national median of $51,330. California ranks 9th of 47 states for structural metal fabricators and fitters pay. There are 0.19 structural metal fabricators and fitters per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.56). The average (mean) salary is $58,160, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for structural metal fabricators and fitters in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $45,140 | $21.70 |
| 25th percentile | $46,730 | $22.46 |
| Median | $57,590 | $27.69 |
| 75th percentile | $65,000 | $31.25 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $76,110 | $36.59 |
| Average (mean) | $58,160 | $27.96 |
Half of structural metal fabricators and fitters earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,799.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,399.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,215 |
| Weekly | $1,107.50 |
| Hourly | $27.69 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $68,350 | 690 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $65,500 | 230 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $59,460 | 90 |
| Vallejo, CA | $58,360 | 40 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $56,990 | 920 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $51,210 | 50 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $50,200 | 200 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $46,260 | 690 |
Highest-paying states for structural metal fabricators and fitters
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Maine | $64,760 |
| Alaska | $63,420 |
| Oregon | $62,220 |
| Massachusetts | $62,040 |
| Washington | $61,850 |
| Indiana | $60,180 |
| Connecticut | $58,760 |
| Idaho | $58,140 |
| California | $57,590 |
| Wisconsin | $56,310 |
See Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters pay in every state.
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | $47,720 | $22.94 |
| Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers | $48,080 | $23.12 |
| Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers | $63,640 | $30.60 |
| Engine and Other Machine Assemblers | $46,810 | $22.51 |
| Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators | $47,750 | $22.96 |
| Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers | $42,330 | $20.35 |
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $54,300 | $26.11 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | $76,840 | $36.94 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $44,020 | $21.16 |
| Baker | $43,120 | $20.73 |
| Production Workers, All Other | $41,670 | $20.03 |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $58,060 | $27.91 |
| Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers | $37,790 | $18.17 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $56,510 | $27.17 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 51-2041. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a structural metal fabricators and fitters make in California?
The median salary for structural metal fabricators and fitters in California is $57,590 a year, or $27.69 an hour. Pay ranges from $45,140 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,110 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid structural metal fabricators and fitters make in California?
The top 10% of structural metal fabricators and fitters in California earn at least $76,110 a year. The top 25% earn $65,000 or more.
What is the starting pay for structural metal fabricators and fitters in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $45,140 a year, and a quarter of structural metal fabricators and fitters earn $46,730 or less.
How many structural metal fabricators and fitters work in California?
About 3,420 structural metal fabricators and fitters are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.