Welder Salary in Auburn, WA: $61,530 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Auburn, WA earns a median $61,530/year (≈ $29.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Auburn's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $57,291 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected welder salary in Auburn, Washington reaches a median of $61,530, surpassing the national benchmark of $55,895 by 10.08%. Local salaries span from $42,466 at the lowest percentile to as high as $90,008 for top earners, showcasing a wide range of opportunities within the field. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional pricing, highlight the competitive nature of the local welding market. Welders who travel for work, particularly in pipe welding, might expect additional compensation through per-diem structures and tax advantages, which can significantly enhance their overall earnings compared to those in stationary local positions. Auburn's job market reflects this potential, driven by a mix of both local demand and traveling opportunities in specialized sectors.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,466 | $20.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,654 | $25.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,530 | $29.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,296 | $35.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,008 | $43.27 |
Median Salary Position
10.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn
In Auburn, WA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,542 (2026 est.). At $61,530, the local median is 10.08% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Auburn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Auburn Welder Pay Compares
Auburn median: $61,530/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Auburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,277 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +10.08% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Auburn has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Auburn, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,530 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,291 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,774
2025 BLS Actual
$59,169
2026 Current Est.
$61,530
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,774 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,645 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,749 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,333 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,874 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,819 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,169 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,530 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,985 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Auburn metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $46,774 (2019) to $59,169 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,985 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,211 (36.80%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $42,466 – $53,654 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,654 – $61,530 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,530 – $73,296 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,296 – $90,008 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Auburn
The job market for welders in Auburn currently supports 23 employed individuals, which indicates a niche but established sector. The cost-of-living index of 107.4 conveys that daily expenses are above the national average, impacting disposable income for welders in the area. Top-paying employers, such as those in oil and gas pipeline welding and aerospace manufacturing, often require specialized skills and certifications, such as the coveted 6G pipe certification and ASME compliance. Variability in welder pay in this region stems from factors like specialty and certification levels, with underwater and nuclear welding roles commanding the highest rates. To maximize their earnings in Auburn, welders should consider pursuing higher certifications and exploring positions that allow for traveling work, which typically pays more due to the added per-diem compensation. With an aging workforce creating a projected demand gap, investing in advanced qualifications can also provide greater leverage in salary negotiations.
More salary data for Auburn, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
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 $59,169 for weldersin the Auburn 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 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