Trades & Labor Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Welder Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median welder salary in Seattle, WA is $71,455 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 27.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$71,455
vs State Avg
+$15,513
vs National
+$24,445
Cost of Living
148%

Welder Pay in Seattle: What to Expect (2026)

Seattle offers a median welder salary of $71,455, which is $15,513 above the Washington state average of $55,942. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Seattle pays above average for this role.

However, Seattle's cost of living index is 148%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $71,455 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $48,280. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Seattle should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for welders in Seattle spans from $50,464 at the 10th percentile to $107,616 at the 90th percentile — a $57,152 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,640, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,360. As a major metro area with a population of 737,015, Seattle typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Welder Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level welder earns around $48,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,640
+$16,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,960
+$24,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,360
+$35,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $50,464
25th Percentile $58,976
Median (50th) $71,455
75th Percentile $88,464
90th Percentile $107,616

Welder Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$73,336
Pop. 151,854
Tacoma, WA
$53,591
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$49,831
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$45,130
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Welder in Seattle

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Seattle and the surrounding Washington area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Seattle may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Welder Jobs in Seattle

Browse open welder positions in Seattle, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Seattle

How much does a Welder make in Seattle, WA? ▼
The median welder salary in Seattle, Washington is $71,455 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $50,464 (10th percentile) to $107,616 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Seattle? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,455, a welder in Seattle earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for welder pay? ▼
Seattle's median welder salary of $71,455 is 27.7% above the Washington state average of $55,942. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA? ▼
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $71,455 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Seattle? ▼
Most welder positions in Seattle require a high school diploma. Key skills include MIG/TIG Welding, Blueprint Reading, Metal Fabrication, Quality Inspection. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.