Welder Salary in Bellingham, WA: $66,262 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Bellingham, WA earns a median $66,262/year (≈ $31.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Bellingham's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.3), that paycheck buys what $64,124 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% above the Washington state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Welder salaries in Bellingham, Washington, reflect a dynamic job market, especially for those involved in pipe welding versus structural and production work. The projected median annual salary for 2026 is $66,262, significantly above the national average of $55,895, showcasing a competitive edge of 18.55%. Welders in Bellingham can expect salaries ranging from $51,901 at the 10th percentile to $84,201 at the 90th percentile, indicating a broad spectrum of pay that highlights the varying skill levels and specialization in the field. This data is derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, emphasizing the strength of the local industry and the opportunities available for welders in the region. As the market continues to grow, factors influencing salary disparities reflect the demand for different types of welding expertise.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,901 | $24.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,350 | $27.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,262 | $31.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,998 | $36.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,201 | $40.48 |
Median Salary Position
18.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bellingham
In Bellingham, WA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,300 (2026 est.). At $66,262, the local median is 18.55% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bellingham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bellingham Welder Pay Compares
Bellingham median: $66,262/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bellingham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,277 | +6.40% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +18.55% more |
Welders in Bellingham, WA earn a median of $66,262 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.55% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 6.40% above the Washington state average of $62,277.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bellingham has a cost of living 3.33% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bellingham, WA has a cost-of-living index of 103.334 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,262 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,124 — a 3.23% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,640
2025 BLS Actual
$63,720
2026 Current Est.
$66,262
2019–2027 Growth
+36.1%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,640 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,200 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,870 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,660 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,720 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,262 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,906 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bellingham metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 25.8% from $50,640 (2019) to $63,720 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,906 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,266 (36.07%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellingham 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) | $51,901 – $57,350 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,350 – $66,262 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,262 – $74,998 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,998 – $84,201 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Bellingham
With approximately 320 welders currently employed in Bellingham, the local job market remains robust, though the cost of living is slightly above the national average, with a cost-of-living index of 103.334. This reality affects the take-home pay and purchasing power of workers in the area. Among the highest-paying sectors for welders include oil and gas pipeline welding operations and jobs involving TIG welding in the aerospace and defense industry. The disparity in wages is often driven by specialization, such as the premium for 6G pipe welders, as well as certifications like ASME IX and nuclear endorsements, which are highly sought after. Taking on traveling jobs often enhances earnings due to per-diem allowances that can add significantly to base pay, while diversifying skills and pursuing certifications can further maximize potential income in the competitive Bellingham market.
More salary data for Bellingham, 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
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 $63,720 for weldersin the Bellingham 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
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