Welder Hourly Pay in Auburn, WA: $29.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Auburn, WA runs $29.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,530 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,922 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Auburn, Washington, the welder hourly pay reaches a median of $29.59, positioning it notably higher than the national hourly median of $26.87. This hourly figure signifies a robust wage for those in various welding roles across the region, whether working in fabrication shop production lines or undertaking specialized jobs in more demanding environments like nuclear plant containment areas or shipyards. For welders working part-time, such as those on a three-day-per-week schedule, this translates to significant earnings, with the potential to earn between $20.41 at entry-level positions and up to $43.27 for top earners. These hourly estimates reflect salaries drawn from annual data, giving potential welders insight into what they might expect as they pursue careers in the local job market.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.41 | $163.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.80 | $206.40 |
| Median (P50) | $29.59 | $236.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.24 | $281.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.27 | $346.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $29.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.59/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, WA can expect to earn approximately $61,537 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,502. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,183.41 | $5,128 | $61,537 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $710.04 | $3,077 | $36,922 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.36 | $2,051 | $24,615 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Auburn) | $29.59 |
| Machinist (National Avg) | $25.72 |
| Sheet Metal Worker (National Avg) | $28.93 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Boilermaker (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Welders in Auburn, WA earn a median of $61,530 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.08% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $62,277.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.59/hr = $36,922/year (purchasing power: $34,378).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,537/year (purchasing power: $57,297).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Auburn grew 26.5% from $22.49/hr (2019) to $28.45/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.77/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem welders can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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.
Working as an Hourly Welder in Auburn
Beyond the standard hourly compensation, Auburn's welding professionals have access to diverse earning opportunities through part-time work or per-diem arrangements. A welder committing to a 3-day week (working 24 hours) could expect to take home nearly $46,138 annually, which is competitive compared to a full-time schedule. Additionally, per-diem welders can significantly boost their earnings; traveling pipe welders often earn a base rate of $40-$70/hour, supplemented by daily per diem amounts that range from $80-$175. During refinery turnarounds, welders may earn between $50-$80/hr, sometimes with double-time pay on weekends. This versatility in employment types—ranging from structural steel fabrication to aerospace work—creates varied economic scenarios for welders. Some choose lower hourly rates with associated benefits, while others might prioritize higher hourly take-home pay without medical coverage. Practical negotiation tips for prospective welders in Auburn could include researching average rates specific to employer types, emphasizing certifications like the 6G pipe qualification, and strategically discussing benefits versus hourly pay to secure the most favorable compensation package.
More salary data for Auburn, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Auburn in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Auburn?
Are welders in Auburn paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in Auburn?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Auburn?
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for welders in Auburn. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Auburn 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