Entry-Level Welder Salary in Edmonds, WA: $43,141 (2026)
Quick Answer:New welders entering the Edmonds, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,141 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 51-4121, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Edmonds's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,169 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,364) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the welding field in Edmonds, Washington, can expect to start with an entry-level welder salary around $43,141. This initial figure is comparatively lower than the city's median annual salary for welders, which stands at $60,364, indicating a significant gap. However, as new professionals gain experience, it's within reach to progress to approximately $54,881 within their first few years. Given Edmonds' projected growth rate of 3.99% annually for the welding field, recent graduates possess a favorable growth trajectory, particularly for those willing to continue their education and obtain valuable certifications. Considering the current labor market's demand for welding professionals, particularly in specialized areas, Edmonds is an attractive location for newly minted welding graduates looking for career opportunities.
About the Edmonds Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Edmonds
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Edmonds
Entry-level welders in Edmonds, WA typically start between $43,141 and $54,881 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,849 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,364 — 8% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average welding program cost in Washington of $18,000 represents just 41.72% of the starting welder pay ($43,141/year) in Edmonds. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AWS-aligned welding certificate and associate programs at community colleges and technical schools. Costs vary significantly based on program length (6 months vs 2 years) and specialty certifications (structural, pipe, underwater).
WLD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Edmonds
- 1Research the Edmonds market: entry-level welder pay ranges from $43,141 to $54,881, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the welding field — employers in WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Edmonds, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Edmonds for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Edmonds's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Welder Compensation Range
The welder wage spread in Edmonds is $42,849 ( 99.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,141, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,990.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,157
2025 BLS Actual
$41,486
2026 Current Est.
$43,141
2019–2027 Growth
+44.0%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Edmonds (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,157 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,394 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,144 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,405 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,938 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,320 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,486 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,141 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,863 | Projected |
Entry-level welder compensation (10th percentile) in Edmonds, WA grew 33.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,157 in 2019 to $41,486 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,863. New graduates entering the Edmonds job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edmonds metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your welding Career in Edmonds
Several employers in the Edmonds area actively hire new graduates, particularly production welding shops, which often provide entry-level roles for recent trade school graduates as welders or helpers. Additionally, non-union pipeline contractors frequently seek certified welders for large-scale projects across the country, while union apprenticeships, such as those with the UA or Boilermakers, offer structured pathways with considerable training over 4-5 years. To maximize starting pay in Washington, credentials like AWS certifications, which cover various welding processes and positions, can be beneficial. New welders should also consider seeking pipe welding certifications that can lead to higher wages, especially the coveted 6G certification, which commands significant premiums in traveling work duties. Realistically, during the first three years, new professionals can expect salary growth beyond their starting figures, particularly as the aging workforce exacerbates the demand for skilled welders.
More salary data for Edmonds, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for welders in Edmonds in 2026?
How fast do welder salaries grow in Edmonds?
Is welding school worth it in Edmonds?
What do new welders make right out of school in Edmonds?
How do I become a welder in Washington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new welding graduates. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Edmonds. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Edmonds is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov