welder salary in washington (2026)
Washington welders earn a median of $58,750 per year in 2026 — +25% versus the national median of $47,000. The gap reflects washington's market dynamics: tech boom, amazon hq, boeing, green energy.
But Washington isn't one market. Wages vary significantly across metros. Here's the full breakdown.
welder salary by city in washington
Salary varies considerably across Washington metros, driven by construction activity, industrial sector concentration, and union density.
| city | median salary | vs. WA median | key driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Seattle | $68,150 | +16% | tech boom, Amazon, Boeing, dense commercial |
| 2 Spokane | $44,650 | -24% | healthcare, government, education |
| 3 Tacoma | $54,049 | -8% | port, military, logistics |
| 4 Vancouver | $49,350 | -16% | Portland metro spillover, warehousing |
| 5 Bellevue | $65,800 | +12% | Microsoft, tech campuses, high-end commercial |
| 6 Kent | $51,700 | -12% | Boeing, warehousing, light manufacturing |
| 7 Everett | $52,640 | -10% | Boeing, naval station, aerospace |
Washington market note: Amazon's data center buildout, Boeing's production facilities, and Washington's aggressive green energy investment all drive sustained trade demand.
what moves your salary in washington
taxes and take-home pay
Washington has no state income tax, making its high gross salaries even more valuable. Seattle-area wages are among the highest in the US.
union vs. non-union
Washington has strong union density, especially in King County. Prevailing wage laws apply to public projects and push all market wages up.
licensing
To work legally as a licensed welder in Washington, you'll need to meet requirements set by the Washington State Dept of Labor and Industries. This typically includes documented apprenticeship hours, passing a written trade exam, and ongoing continuing education. Each license level unlocks higher-paying work — especially the jump to journeyman, which allows independent work on permitted jobs.
how washington compares to other states
| state | median salary | vs. washington | note |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $66,700 | +14% | 9.3% state income tax |
| Washington | $58,750 | — | no state income tax; Seattle COL |
| New York | $58,400 | -1% | NYC drives wages up; high COL |
| Illinois | $56,200 | -4% | Chicago union rates |
| Texas | $52,800 | -10% | no state income tax |
| National median | $47,010 | -20% | BLS OEWS 2024 |
| Florida | $45,200 | -23% | no state income tax, lower COL |
is welder a good career in washington right now?
Amazon's data center buildout, Boeing's production facilities, and Washington's aggressive green energy investment all drive sustained trade demand. BLS projects 3% job growth for welders nationally through 2032, and Washington tracks at or above that rate given its market conditions.
Hardhat's AI survival score for welders is 68/100 — the physical, site-specific, judgment-intensive nature of this work makes it genuinely difficult to automate. The job is not going anywhere.
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How much does a Welder make in Washington?
Welders in Washington earn a median of $58,750 per year in 2026, ranging from around $43,475 for apprentices to $91,062 or more for licensed journeymen and contractors.
What city in Washington pays welders the most?
Seattle pays the highest welder salaries in Washington — around $68,150 median — driven by tech boom, amazon, boeing, dense commercial.
Do you need a license to be a welder in Washington?
Yes. Washington requires licensure through the Washington State Dept of Labor and Industries. Requirements include documented experience, passing a written trade exam, and in many cases continuing education hours.
Is there demand for welders in Washington?
Washington's welder market is driven by tech boom, amazon hq, boeing, green energy. BLS projects 3% national job growth through 2032, and Washington consistently matches or exceeds that pace.
How long does it take to become a welder in Washington?
Typically 1–3 years — trade school plus the apprenticeship hours required to sit for the journeyman exam. Licensing is handled by the Washington State Dept of Labor and Industries.
welder salary in other states
other trades in washington