Welder Salary in Lacey, WA: $60,521 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Lacey, WA earns a median $60,521/year (≈ $29.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Lacey's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $56,351 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lacey, Washington, welders can expect to earn a median annual salary of $60,521, which reflects a competitive advantage over the national median of $55,895. The local salary range varies significantly, spanning from $45,969 at the lower end to an impressive $89,974 at the upper tier. This data, derived from 2025 BLS estimates and projected to 2026, highlights the financial opportunities available in Lacey's welding sector. Prospective welders should consider the tradeoffs involved in investment, particularly for those looking into becoming rig owners, where the initial costs of a welding truck can range from $80,000 to $150,000. The job market shows promise, suggesting a growing need for skilled welders as industries expand in the area.
About the Lacey Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,969 | $22.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,617 | $25.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,521 | $29.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,329 | $33.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,974 | $43.26 |
Median Salary Position
8.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lacey
In Lacey, WA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,005 (2026 est.). At $60,521, the local median is 8.28% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lacey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lacey Welder Pay Compares
Lacey median: $60,521/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lacey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,265 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +8.28% more |
Welders in Lacey, WA earn a median of $60,521 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.28% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.80% below the Washington state average of $62,265.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lacey has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lacey, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,521 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,351 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,007
2025 BLS Actual
$58,199
2026 Current Est.
$60,521
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Lacey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,007 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,848 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,901 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,475 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,991 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,382 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,199 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,521 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,936 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lacey metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $46,007 (2019) to $58,199 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,936 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,929 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lacey 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) | $45,969 – $53,617 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,617 – $60,521 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,521 – $69,329 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,329 – $89,974 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Lacey
Employment in Lacey’s welding sector is relatively limited, with only 12 welders currently in the area. The cost of living index, positioned at 107.4, indicates that while salaries are robust, take-home purchasing power is impacted by higher housing and living expenses. Companies specializing in structural steel fabrication, oil and gas pipeline welding, and aerospace and defense tend to offer the highest welder pay in Lacey, WA. Factors such as certification levels—where 6G piping and ASME IX certifications yield premium pay—drive the variation in salaries. Additional earnings can come from traveling positions, which provide per-diem benefits that can enhance income significantly. For welders aiming to maximize their earnings in Lacey, pursuing specialized certifications and considering traveling assignments can prove advantageous, ultimately adjusting to the market's evolving landscape.
More salary data for Lacey, 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 $58,199 for weldersin the Lacey 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 Lacey 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