Seattle vs Spokane Valley: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Seattle, WA and Spokane Valley, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Spokane Valley, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,883▲ | $62,906 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.12▲ | $30.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,276▲ | $44,680 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,522▲ | $53,495 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,211▲ | $74,919 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,206▲ | $92,495 |
| Total Employed | 3,230▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane Valley.
The salary gap between Seattle and Spokane Valley is $5,977 (9.50%). Seattle's median is +23.24% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $40,930,Spokane Valley spans $47,815. Spokane Valley has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($61,982 effective) pays 5.82% more than Spokane Valley ($58,572 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,883/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,206)
- ✓Larger job market (3,230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,982)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane Valley if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Seattle grew 19.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.8% growth in Spokane Valley over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$55,680 (2019) → $66,240 (2025)
Spokane Valley, WA
$68,548 (2024) → $60,492 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Spokane Valley, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Seattle or Spokane Valley?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Spokane Valley?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Spokane Valley as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Seattle vs Spokane Valley?
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