Skip to content
AffordMap
Production & Manufacturing · California

How to Become a Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters in California

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters in California earn a median salary of $57,590/year, which is 12% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~3.0%. After taxes and rent, a structural metal fabricators and fitters takes home approximately $2,539/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$58K
Median salary in California
+12%
vs. national average
3.0%
State income tax
3,420
Employed in California

What a structural metal fabricators and fitters can afford in California

Gross annual salary$57,590
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.0% state tax)$3,881/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,342/mo
Rent as % of take-home34.6% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$57,590/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,539/mo

Becoming a structural metal fabricators and fitters in California

1

Meet education requirements

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many structural metal fabricators and fitters positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for structural metal fabricators and fitters. Requirements vary by state, contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 3,420 structural metal fabricators and fitters. The highest concentrations are in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$68K$32.86/hr690
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$66K$31.49/hr230
Stockton-Lodi$59K$28.59/hr90
Vallejo$58K$28.06/hr40
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$57K$27.4/hr920
Bakersfield-Delano$51K$24.62/hr50
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$50K$24.14/hr200
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario$46K$22.24/hr690

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$45K
25th percentile
$47K
Median (50th)
$58K
75th percentile
$65K
90th percentile (senior)
$76K
View jobs for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Currently hiring in California
View →
More openings for Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Currently hiring in California
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full structural metal fabricators and fitters salary breakdown in California
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in California
After federal + 3.0% state tax
Calculate →
Compare California cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a structural metal fabricators and fitters make in California?

The median structural metal fabricators and fitters salary in California is $57,590 per year ($27.69/hr). This is 12% above the national median of $51,330. Salaries range from $45,140 to $76,110.

What are the requirements to become a structural metal fabricators and fitters in California?

Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a structural metal fabricators and fitters afford to live in California?

At the median salary of $57,590, a structural metal fabricators and fitters in California would take home approximately $3,881/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,342/month, that's 34.6% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for structural metal fabricators and fitters in California?

The highest paying metro areas for structural metal fabricators and fitters in California are San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad ($68,350), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($65,500), Stockton-Lodi ($59,460). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does California have state income tax for structural metal fabricators and fitters?

Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.0%. On a $57,590 salary, this means roughly $1,746/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.