Federal Way vs Spokane: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Federal Way, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Federal Way, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,687 | $61,718▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.66 | $29.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,968 | $46,889▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,331▲ | $50,383 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,899▲ | $66,720 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,068▲ | $77,421 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 630▲ |
Verdict
Spokane, WA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Federal Way.
The salary gap between Federal Way and Spokane is $31 (0.05%). Spokane's median is +10.42% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Federal Way spans $45,100,Spokane spans $30,532. Federal Way has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Spokane ($61,505 effective) pays 7.08% more than Federal Way ($57,437 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Federal Way if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,068)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,718/year)
- ✓Larger job market (630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,505)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Federal Way grew -10.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.7% growth in Spokane over the same period.
Federal Way, WA
$65,987 (2024) → $59,320 (2025)
Spokane, WA
$44,730 (2019) → $59,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Federal Way, WA
Spokane, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Federal Way or Spokane?
What is the hourly rate difference between Federal Way and Spokane?
Should I relocate from Federal Way to Spokane as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Federal Way vs Spokane?
Related Comparisons
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov