Welder Hourly Pay in University Place, WA: $29.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in University Place, WA runs $29.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,045 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against University Place's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,624 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Place, Washington, welders can expect a robust median hourly pay of $29.35, significantly surpassing the national median hourly rate of $26.87. This competitive rate speaks to the demand for skilled welders in various settings such as fabrication shops, pipeline welding stations, and shipyards. The hourly wage range varies from $21.53 for entry-level positions to up to $42.38 for top earners. Such figures highlight the potential for part-time and per-diem workers. For those who may engage in three-day workweeks, the pay structure offers flexibility for individuals seeking to balance other commitments while still capitalizing on the strong economy of University Place and the surrounding region.
About the University Place 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) | $21.53 | $172.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.30 | $202.41 |
| Median (P50) | $29.35 | $234.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.16 | $265.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.38 | $339.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Place
Based on $29.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.35/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Place, WA can expect to earn approximately $61,040 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,215. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in University Place.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Place
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,173.84 | $5,087 | $61,040 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $704.30 | $3,052 | $36,624 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $469.54 | $2,035 | $24,416 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (University Place) | $29.35 |
| 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 University Place, WA earn a median of $61,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.21% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $62,228.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.35/hr = $36,624/year (purchasing power: $34,100).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,040/year (purchasing power: $56,834).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in University Place grew 26.5% from $22.31/hr (2019) to $28.22/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.52/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 University Place 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 University Place
Analyzing the earning potential for welders reveals varied income opportunities based on job conditions and employer types. A welder working part-time, say 24 hours a week, can anticipate an annual take-home that contrasts sharply with full-time earnings, allowing for a balanced lifestyle while still gaining valuable experience. For per-diem welders, particularly those involved in travel, compensation typically includes daily rates ranging from $80 to $175 on top of base hourly pay, positioning them for lucrative earnings during projects such as refinery turnarounds or shutdowns, which can command hourly rates between $50 and $80. Depending on the employer—whether in structural steel fabrication, nuclear power plant maintenance, or shipbuilding—hourly pay can vary significantly, and some professionals may choose lower rates for job security and benefits. Negotiating for fair pay involves understanding these nuances, alongside market trends in University Place's welding sector, ensuring that welders maximize their hourly potential while aligning with their career goals.
More salary data for University Place, 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 University Place. 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 University Place 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