Welder Career Guide in Washington
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Washington.
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How to Become a Welder in Washington
Washington welders commonly train through community or technical colleges, maritime employers, aerospace manufacturers, union apprenticeships, or AJAC-related manufacturing programs. Training may emphasize structural fabrication, shipyard welding, pipe welding, aerospace materials, and WABO test preparation.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Welder Salary in Washington
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Washington median wage for welder workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $51,000, the median wage in Washington is approximately $12,020 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in Washington
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONWelder Training Requirements in Washington
Washington does not impose one credential for every welder, but structural, transportation, pressure-system, maritime, and public-works projects frequently require specific performance qualifications.
- Complete training in the welding processes, materials, positions, and codes relevant to the intended industry.
- Pass a WABO-approved test when WABO structural welder certification is required by the building official or project specification.
- Obtain AWS, ASME, WSDOT, boiler, pipeline, maritime, or employer qualifications where applicable.
- Complete required workplace safety, fall protection, confined-space, ventilation, and hot-work training.
- Maintain certification continuity and renewal documentation.
Welder Training Providers in Washington
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| South Seattle College – Welding Fabrication Technology | Seattle | View Program |
| Bates Technical College – Welding | Tacoma | View Program |
| Clover Park Technical College – Welding Technology | Lakewood | View Program |
| Lake Washington Institute of Technology – Welding Technology | Kirkland | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESWelder Apprenticeship Programs in Washington
Ironworker and Structural Welding Apprenticeship
Organization: Iron Workers Local 86 JATC
Pipe Trades and Welder Apprenticeship
Organization: Seattle Area Pipe Trades / UA Local 32
Welder Licensing Requirements in Washington
Washington does not issue one general occupational license covering all welders. However, structural-steel, reinforcing-steel, sheet-steel, seismic, transportation, boiler, pressure-system, and public-works projects may require WABO, AWS, ASME, WSDOT, employer, or project-specific welder qualifications. WABO certification is widely used for structural welding accepted by Washington building officials.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in Washington
Washington welding employment is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 8,350 to 8,730 jobs. About 910 openings per year are projected.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the welder salary in Washington?
The statewide median wage for welders in Washington is approximately $63,020 per year, or $30.30 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Washington require welder licensing?
Licensing requirements for welder workers in Washington vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Washington Association of Building Officials – Welder Program before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a welder in Washington?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 6 Months–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are welders in demand in Washington?
Washington projects welder employment to grow by approximately 5% from 2022 to 2032, with about 910 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Washington Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Washington Welder Wages
- Washington Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Washington Welder Employment Trends
- Washington Association of Building Officials – Welder Program — Licensing authority. Washington Association of Building Officials – Welder Program