Pay data / Welders / Salary / Washington

Welder Salary
in Washington

Welders in Washington (WA) earn a median of $57,700 a year, about $28 an hour. That runs roughly 18% above the national median for welders, with most earning between $40,100 and $86,100.

Bottom 10%
$40,100
WA Median
$57,700
Top 10%
$86,100

Welder pay by experience in Washington

  • Entry / Fabricator
    $37,500$18/hr

    Shop welding and learning processes.

  • Certified Welder
    $57,700$28/hr

    AWS-certified on common processes and positions.

  • Specialty / Pipe Welder
    $83,700$40/hr

    6G pipe, TIG, and travel work.

Welder pay in Washington metros

  • Seattle$54,800$26/hr
  • Spokane$61,700$30/hr
  • Tacoma$61,600$30/hr

Certification in Washington

Welders are certified rather than licensed, typically to AWS or ASME standards for the processes and positions they run. Certifications, not a state license, gate the higher-paying work.

Frequently asked

How much do welders make in Washington?
Welders in Washington earn a median of $57,700 per year, about $28 per hour. That is roughly 18% above the national median. Most earn between $40,100 and $86,100.
What is the highest-paying place for welders in Washington?
Among Washington's major metros, Spokane tends to pay welders the most, near $61,700 a year.
Do you need a license to work as a welder in Washington?
Welders are certified rather than licensed, typically to AWS or ASME standards for the processes and positions they run. Certifications, not a state license, gate the higher-paying work. In Washington, employers hire on certifications and demonstrated skill rather than a state license.

Welder pay in other states

See all welder pay by state →

Figures are estimates for 2026, anchored to national wage data and localized for Washington by cost of living and market conditions. Actual pay varies by employer, certification, and project.