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Welder Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for welder in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Welder in California

Estimated timeline: 2-18 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    must be at least 18 years of age

  2. 2

    Education: Varies by state board.

  3. 3

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  4. 4

    All contractors/builders must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board in order to perform work in California.

  5. 5

    License Application Fee: $450.

  6. 6

    Initial License Fee: Sole Owner $200 for 2 years.

  7. 7

    Experience Requirement: At least four (4) years journey level experience

    • must be at least 18 years of age.
  8. 8

    Exam Requirement: Business/law exam and trade exam.

  9. 9

    Exam Frequency: Computerized exams given daily at 20 sites throughout the state.

Exam and processing details

Frequency
Computerized exams given daily at 20 sites throughout the state. Re-exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Contractors State License Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $57,940 median (14% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #14 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (must be at least 18 years of age; Experience Requirement: At least four (4) years journey level experience; must be at least 18 years of age.).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (Experience Requirement: At least four (4) years journey level experience; must be at least 18 years of age.).
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Frequency: Computerized exams given daily at 20 sites throughout the state. Re-exam.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (License Application Fee: $450.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Contractors State License Board and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $57,940, Welders in California earn 14% above the national median of $51,000. California ranks #14 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2-18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$57,940

Hourly estimate

$27.86
14% above national median

Difference: +$6,940

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$44,200
  • P2525th percentile$47,990
  • P50Median$57,940
  • P7575th percentile$69,950
  • P9090th percentile$84,690

State vs National Median

State: $57,940
National: $51,000

Total employment: 26,100 | Annual openings: N/A

Welder Salary Ranking

#14 of 50 statesfor Welder median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Hawaii$76,970
#2Alaska$75,140
#3Wyoming$66,070
#4Connecticut$64,520
#5Washington$61,730

Nearby States Comparison

Welder licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$57,940Varies by state boardState-approved exam2-18 years
Oregon$58,590Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$59,370Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Arizona$53,770Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Consumer Affairs • Contractors State License Board

9821 Business Park Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95827

Phone: 8003212752

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$84,910Varies by state board1-17 years
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$63,370Varies by state board1-17 years
Carpenter$74,820Varies by state boardVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$101,160Varies by state board1-6 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Welder in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Welder salary in California?

The median annual salary for Welders in California is $57,940. Salaries range from $44,200 (10th percentile) to $84,690 (90th percentile).

How does the Welder salary in California compare to the national average?

Welders in California earn 14% above the national median of $51,000, with a state median of $57,940.

How many Welders work in California?

California employs approximately 26,100 Welders according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Welder license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Welders in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Contractors State License Board. Review agency details at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Welder license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.