Trades & Labor Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Welder Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median welder salary in Tacoma, WA is $53,591 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 4.2% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$53,591
vs State Avg
$-2,351
vs National
+$6,581
Cost of Living
110%

Welder Pay in Tacoma: What to Expect (2026)

Tacoma offers a median welder salary of $53,591, which is $2,351 below the Washington state average of $55,942. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for welders in Tacoma spans from $37,848 at the 10th percentile to $80,712 at the 90th percentile — a $42,864 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,480, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,520. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Welder Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level welder earns around $36,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,480
+$4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,720
+$6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,520
+$9,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $37,848
25th Percentile $44,232
Median (50th) $53,591
75th Percentile $66,348
90th Percentile $80,712

Welder Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Welder in Tacoma

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Tacoma 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 Tacoma may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Welder Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open welder positions in Tacoma, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Welder make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median welder salary in Tacoma, Washington is $53,591 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $37,848 (10th percentile) to $80,712 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,591, a welder in Tacoma earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for welder pay? ▼
Tacoma's median welder salary of $53,591 is 4.2% below the Washington state average of $55,942. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $53,591 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Tacoma? ▼
Most welder positions in Tacoma 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.