Welder Salary in District of Columbia: $63,091 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across District of Columbia's 1 metropolitan areas, the average median welder pay sits at $63,091/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 51-4121. Because District of Columbia sits at BEA RPP 117.0 (17% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $53,924 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Washington ($60,670).
In 2026, the average median salary for welders in the District of Columbia is projected to be $63,091, which is 12.9% higher than the national median of $55,895. Interestingly, Washington is both the highest and lowest paying city for welders, with a consistent salary of $63,091. This lack of salary variation suggests a highly regulatory environment where job opportunities are relatively uniform across the capital. District of Columbia welding professionals must navigate specific state licensing requirements and adhere to strict scope of practice laws, which can influence demand and salary rates. The projected annual growth rate for welder employment in the district is 3.99%, indicating a steady increase in job opportunities driven by infrastructure projects and federal contracts typical in the area. With approximately 2,000 welders employed in the district, the market remains strong due to the ongoing construction and maintenance needs related to government facilities and private sector projects. The combination of competitive salaries and a clear path for career advancement can make welding a viable option for individuals considering this profession in the District of Columbia.
District of Columbia Welder Salary Range
Overall salary range in District of Columbia: $46,951 (lowest entry-level) to $119,006 (highest top earner)
District of Columbia vs National Average
District of Columbia welders earn 12.87% more than the national median (+$7,196/year difference).
District of Columbia Welder Salary Distribution (2026)
Welder salaries in District of Columbia range from $46,951 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $119,006 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $63,091. The District of Columbia median is $7,196 above the US national median of $55,895. The average hourly rate is $30.33/hr. Approximately 2,000 welders are employed across 1 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,460
2025 BLS Actual
$60,670
2026 Current Est.
$63,091
2019–2027 Growth
+35.4%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in District of Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,150 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,490 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,670 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,091 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,608 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the District of Columbia metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 25.2% from $48,460 (2019) to $60,670 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,608 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,148 (35.39%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the District of Columbia 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.
Top 1 Highest Paying Cities in District of Columbia
Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $46,951 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $63,091 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $119,006 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across District of Columbia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 1 Cities in District of Columbia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $63,091 |
More District of Columbia Salary Data
Explore More Welder Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do welders make in District of Columbia in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for welders in District of Columbia?
How does District of Columbia welder pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level welder salary in District of Columbia?
How many welders are employed in District of Columbia?
Which District of Columbia city offers the best value for welders?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 welder compensation across District of Columbia. State averages are employment-weighted across 1 metro areas — larger metro areas with more welderscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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