Welder Hourly Pay in Tumwater, WA: $29.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Tumwater, WA runs $29.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,581 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Tumwater's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,948 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tumwater, Washington, welders can expect a competitive welder hourly pay that averages $29.61. This figure is notably higher than the national hourly median of $26.87, illustrating the potential for welders in the region to earn more than their counterparts elsewhere in the country. For part-time workers clocking in at three days a week, the income can translate to approximately $34,243 annually, making it an attractive option for those seeking flexible schedules. The hourly range for welders in Tumwater spans from $21.49 for entry-level positions to $42.72 for experienced professionals, with opportunities in diverse environments such as fabrication shops, oil refineries, and shipyards. These estimated hourly rates reflect well on the market, showcasing the city's value on skilled welding and fabrication work.
About the Tumwater 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) | $21.49 | $171.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.60 | $212.81 |
| Median (P50) | $29.61 | $236.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.35 | $266.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.72 | $341.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tumwater
Based on $29.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.61/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tumwater, WA can expect to earn approximately $61,580 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,527. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tumwater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tumwater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,184.24 | $5,132 | $61,580 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $710.54 | $3,079 | $36,948 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.70 | $2,053 | $24,632 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Tumwater) | $29.61 |
| 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 Tumwater, WA earn a median of $61,581 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.17% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 1.10% below the Washington state average of $62,266.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.61/hr = $36,948/year (purchasing power: $34,402).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,580/year (purchasing power: $57,337).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Tumwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Tumwater grew 26.5% from $22.51/hr (2019) to $28.47/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.79/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 Tumwater 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 Tumwater
Part-time welders in Tumwater looking to maximize their earning potential might find it advantageous to explore per-diem opportunities as well. Traveling pipe welders, for instance, often receive favorable per diem welder pay Tumwater, ranging from $80 to $175 daily, alongside a base wage of $40 to $70 per hour. For those engaged in refinery turnarounds, wages can elevate to between $50 and $80 per hour, with the added benefit of double-time pay on weekends. Additionally, rig welders operating as self-employed can charge between $90 and $160 per hour, depending on project demands. Furthermore, as labor costs fluctuate across different employer types within the region, welders must carefully consider their options; those willing to trade a lower hourly rate for benefits like health insurance might find stability in union jobs versus the higher rates of freelance work. When negotiating, local welders should highlight their certifications and experience, especially those holding AWS or NQA-1 qualifications, to secure competitive rates consistent with the growing demand in this field.
More salary data for Tumwater, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Tumwater. 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 Tumwater 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