How to Become a Steamfitter in Washington (2026)
Washington employs about 12,470 steamfitters earning a median $81,030 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most steamfitters train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in Washington.
Compare Steamfitter Schools in Washington
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bridgerland Technical College | 73.8 | Contact school for pricing | $42,070 | 75% | Yes* | 587 mi |
| 2 | College of Eastern Idaho | 66.6 | $3,390 in-state / $6,750 out-of-state | $55,123 | 39% | Yes* | 510 mi |
| 3 | Perry Technical Institute | 65.3 | Contact school for pricing | $63,923 | 79% | — | 45 mi |
| 4 | Ogden-Weber Technical College | 63.7 | Contact school for pricing | $47,224 | 53% | Yes* | 606 mi |
| 5 | Peninsula College | 58.8 | $4,718 in-state / $5,270 out-of-state | $44,056 | 37% | Yes* | 127 mi |
| 6 | Western Nevada College | 56.1 | $4,168 in-state / $12,834 out-of-state | $50,403 | 41% | Yes* | 549 mi |
| 7 | American River College | 51.4 | $1,288 in-state / $12,616 out-of-state | $74,069 | 37% | Yes* | 582 mi |
| 8 | Davis Technical College | 47.9 | Contact school for pricing | $47,706 | 57% | — | 619 mi |
| 9 | North Idaho College | 46.4 | $3,396 in-state / $8,736 out-of-state | $50,312 | 38% | Yes* | 208 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Washington employs approximately 12,470 steamfitters according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $81,030 1. Nationally, steamfitter employment is projected to grow 4.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 44,000 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Steamfitter in Washington, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Washington): $81,030 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Steamfitter in Washington
How to become a Steamfitter in Washington? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for steamfitters in Washington.
How long does it take? Most paths into the steamfitter field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do steamfitters earn in Washington? The median annual wage for steamfitters in Washington is $81,030 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $49,490 and experienced professionals can earn $141,860 or more 1.
How to Become a Steamfitter in Washington
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Washington training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an approved trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Washington that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor as part of a registered apprenticeship or employer program in Washington.
- Earn your journey card or employer qualification. Complete the registered apprenticeship or approved program, earn the journey card or employer qualification used in Washington, and confirm contractor versus worker rules with the state before working unsupervised.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Steamfitter Apprenticeship Information in Washington
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Washington’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Washington State of Labor and Industry - Apprenticeship 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
- Address: 7273 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501-5414
- Phone: (360) 902-5320
- Email: [email protected]
Steamfitter Wages by Metro Area in Washington
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Wages by Metro Area in Washington
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters wages in Washington vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 9,420 | $71,860 | $75,090 | $47,480 | $114,400 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | 6,350 | $95,230 | $96,250 | $51,930 | $153,500 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro | 4,600 | $101,010 | $100,710 | $57,640 | $147,100 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | 1,040 | $82,960 | $80,790 | $57,760 | $102,290 |
| Kennewick-Richland | 840 | $97,130 | $94,650 | $47,720 | $145,880 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | 810 | $72,800 | $75,720 | $47,830 | $105,980 |
| Bellingham | 540 | $102,750 | $102,860 | $49,620 | $144,540 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | 310 | $80,030 | $82,440 | $47,400 | $131,510 |
| Yakima | 240 | $60,900 | $68,900 | $45,980 | $101,380 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | 230 | $77,540 | $79,750 | $48,820 | $119,100 |
| Longview-Kelso | 200 | $80,710 | $84,420 | $54,170 | $129,180 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee | 180 | $74,200 | $74,680 | $46,930 | $99,550 |
| Walla Walla | 80 | $70,390 | $73,460 | $44,730 | $122,990 |
| Lewiston | 70 | $55,240 | $63,440 | $38,390 | $109,420 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for steamfitters in Washington? Washington currently employs approximately 12,470 steamfitters 1. Nationally, steamfitter employment is projected to grow 4.5% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Washington? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Washington. You can also contact the Washington State of Labor and Industry - Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do steamfitters earn in Washington compared to the national average? The median annual wage for steamfitters in Washington is $81,030, which is $18,060 above the national median of $62,970 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Washington State of Labor and Industry - Apprenticeship: https://secure.lni.wa.gov/arts-public/#/ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |