Washington median pay
$63,020 a year
National median
$53,750
Welders in Washington
About 8,440
Certification to get first
WABO
Welders build and repair everything from bridges and buildings to ships, aircraft parts and farm equipment. Washington pays welders about $9,000 more than the national median, and the Seattle–Tacoma and Bremerton areas pay the most. In this state, one certification matters more than any other: WABO.
WABO or AWS: which certification first?
The Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) runs the welder certification that building departments and structural contractors in Washington rely on. The American Welding Society (AWS) certification is recognized across the country. Both are hands-on performance tests: you weld test plates or pipe in a set position, and an inspector checks your fit-up, root pass and cover pass.
From the dean’s desk
In Washington either is fine. WABO is the standard for the state, but AWS is recognized across the country. Many employers in Washington and Oregon look for WABO certifications first, so that’s what we encourage folks to go after first and foremost.
— Lester Burkes, Dean of Automotive & Trades
- Start with WABO if you plan to work in Washington or Oregon, especially in structural steel, rebar or construction.
- Add AWS if you might move, travel for work, or go into manufacturing or pipeline work that follows AWS or other codes.
- Test in the positions employers use: 3G and 4G plate tests are common starting points, and 6G pipe tests open higher-paying pipe work.
- Budget for testing: at Lake Washington Institute of Technology, for example, WABO tests cost a $62 WABO fee plus the school’s testing fee.
Where to train in Washington
Most Washington community and technical colleges offer welding certificates or degrees, and many host WABO testing on site, so you can train and certify in one place. Union apprenticeships in the ironworker, boilermaker and pipe trades also teach welding and pay you while you learn.
When you compare programs, ask how much time you’ll spend welding, which WABO and AWS tests are included, and where recent graduates are working. Washington’s Career Bridge site lists programs with costs and outcomes.
What welders earn in Washington
Washington welders earned a median of $63,020 in May 2025, compared with $53,750 nationally.
| Area | Median pay (May 2025) | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton–Silverdale–Port Orchard | $71,720 | $34.48 |
| Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue | $66,240 | $31.85 |
| Kennewick–Richland | $64,720 | $31.12 |
| Bellingham | $63,720 | $30.64 |
| Mount Vernon–Anacortes | $62,800 | $30.19 |
| Spokane–Spokane Valley | $59,350 | $28.53 |
| Olympia–Lacey–Tumwater | $58,680 | $28.21 |
| Yakima | $57,450 | $27.62 |
| Washington overall | $63,020 | $30.30 |
| United States | $53,750 | $25.84 |
Washington expects about 860 welding job openings a year through 2034, mostly from welders retiring or changing careers. Employment is projected to grow about 2%, the same as the national rate.
Steps to become a welder in Washington
1
Finish high school or a GED
Shop, math and blueprint reading give you a head start.
2
Train in a welding program or apprenticeship
Get lots of hands-on hours in stick, MIG, flux core and TIG.
3
Earn your WABO certification
Test in the processes and positions local employers use.
4
Add AWS or pipe certifications
Broaden where you can work and qualify for higher-paying jobs.
5
Keep your certifications current
Most certifications must be maintained, so keep welding and keep your paperwork up to date.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need WABO certification to weld in Washington?
It isn’t required for every welding job, but many Washington and Oregon employers, contracts and blueprints call for it, especially for structural work. Get it first if you plan to work here.
Is AWS certification recognized in Washington?
Yes. AWS is recognized nationwide and is useful if you plan to move or work in industries that follow AWS codes.
How much do welders make in Washington?
The median was $63,020 a year in May 2025, and $71,720 in the Bremerton area.
Sources
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology: WABO welding certification
- American Welding Society: Certification
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Welders
- O*NET OnLine: Welder wages and outlook in Washington (BLS OEWS May 2025)
Related: How to Become a Welder · Welder in California · All Washington guides
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