Welder Salary in Washington, UT: $55,298 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Washington, UT earns a median $55,298/year (≈ $26.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Washington's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $56,369 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the Utah state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the welder salary in Washington, UT, is projected to reach a median annual compensation of $55,298, slightly below the national median of $55,895. This salary reflects the localized market, where wages range from approximately $39,682 at the lower end to $78,962 for experienced professionals. These figures are drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living variations. Interestingly, welders in this area often find that traveling pipe welding offers more lucrative opportunities, particularly due to the per-diem pay structure and tax advantages. Local shop wages may not compete with the inflated rates seen in traveling work, shaping the choices welders make when considering their employment options in Washington.
About the Washington Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,682 | $19.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,394 | $24.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,298 | $26.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,055 | $31.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,962 | $37.97 |
Median Salary Position
1.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Washington
In Washington, UT, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,280 (2026 est.). At $55,298, the local median is 1.07% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Washington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Washington Welder Pay Compares
Washington median: $55,298/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Washington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $56,949 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -1.07% less |
Welders in Washington, UT earn a median of $55,298 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.07% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.90% below the Utah state average of $56,949.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Washington has a cost of living 1.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Washington, UT has a cost-of-living index of 98.1 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $55,298 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,369 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.94% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$42,036
2025 BLS Actual
$53,176
2026 Current Est.
$55,298
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,036 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,718 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,508 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,032 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,417 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,555 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,176 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,298 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,504 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Washington metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $42,036 (2019) to $53,176 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,504 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,468 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Washington 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $39,682 – $50,394 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,394 – $55,298 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,298 – $65,055 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,055 – $78,962 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Washington
With only six welders currently employed in the area, the immediate job market appears limited, yet the cost of living index sitting at 98.1 suggests a financially accessible environment for residents. This index indicates that while salaries may be lower, the purchasing power remains relatively stable against the national average. Employers such as specialty welding shops for structural steel fabrication and pipeline welding businesses dominate the higher pay brackets. The salary variance in Washington partly stems from the welding specialization—6G pipe welding or underwater welding positions often command the highest rates. To maximize welder pay in Washington, pursuing advanced certifications like ASME IX and maintaining mobility for traveling assignments, coupled with networking within industry circles, can lead to better-paying opportunities and an enhanced career trajectory.
More salary data for Washington, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do welders make in Washington, UT in 2026?
Is Washington, UT a good place to work as a welder?
Can welders make $100K in Washington?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted welder salary in Washington?
How much does a welder make per hour in Washington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Utah
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $53,176 for weldersin the Washington metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Washington 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