How to Become A Welder in Washington
Washington employs approximately 7,720 welders according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $63,020 1. Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 45,600 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a welder in Washington, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Welder in Washington
How do I become a welder in Washington? Washington does not require a state license for welders, but employers typically expect industry certifications such as AWS Certified Welder (CW) and OSHA 10/30 Safety Certification. Complete a training program to prepare.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Washington? No state license is required, but certifications such as AWS Certified Welder (CW) and OSHA 10/30 Safety Certification are expected by most employers.
What do welders earn in Washington? The median annual wage for welders in Washington is $63,020 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $47,980 and experienced professionals can earn $86,250 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Washington): $63,020 per year 1
Welder Certification Options in Washington
Washington does not require a state license to work as a welder. However, industry certifications can strengthen your resume and may be required by employers.
Common certifications for welders include:
- AWS Certified Welder (CW)
- OSHA 10/30 Safety Certification
For more information, visit the American Welding Society (AWS) 3. Contact training programs in Washington for details on certification preparation courses.
Welder 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 4.
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]
Welder Wages by Metro Area in Washington
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Wages by Metro Area in Washington
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers wages in Washington vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro | 3,300 | $62,050 | $64,170 | $48,050 | $83,940 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | 3,230 | $66,240 | $68,440 | $50,270 | $89,630 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 2,000 | $60,670 | $67,950 | $45,150 | $114,440 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | 740 | $71,720 | $76,990 | $53,770 | $101,360 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | 630 | $59,350 | $58,650 | $45,090 | $74,450 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | 430 | $62,800 | $63,350 | $49,150 | $84,480 |
| Bellingham | 320 | $63,720 | $65,100 | $49,910 | $80,970 |
| Yakima | 290 | $57,450 | $56,860 | $45,800 | $71,550 |
| Kennewick-Richland | 260 | $64,720 | $70,830 | $50,010 | $95,400 |
| Lewiston | 210 | $55,890 | $55,130 | $44,050 | $63,940 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | 140 | $58,680 | $62,740 | $49,400 | $83,830 |
| Longview-Kelso | 120 | $59,860 | $60,090 | $46,440 | $76,600 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee | 90 | $49,780 | $54,070 | $39,450 | $73,930 |
| Walla Walla | 80 | $59,380 | $59,170 | $46,290 | $71,490 |
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 2025.
Top Metros for Welders in Washington
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest welder employment within Washington according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | 3,230 | $66,240 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | 740 | $71,720 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | 630 | $59,350 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | 430 | $62,800 |
| Bellingham | 320 | $63,720 |
Explore More Trades in Washington
- Electrician in Washington
- Plumber in Washington
- HVAC Technician in Washington
- Carpenter in Washington
- Solar Installation Technician in Washington
- Auto Mechanic in Washington
- CNC Machinist in Washington
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Washington
- Medical Assistant in Washington
- Massage Therapist in Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for welders in Washington? Washington currently employs approximately 7,720 welders 1. Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2.2% 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 accredited programs in Washington. You can also contact the Washington State of Labor and Industry - Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do welders earn in Washington compared to the national average? The median annual wage for welders in Washington is $63,020, which is $12,020 above the national median of $51,000 according to BLS data 1.
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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
American Welding Society (AWS): https://www.aws.org/certification/ ↩︎
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) |