Welder Salary in Maple Valley, WA: $59,219 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Maple Valley, WA earns a median $59,219/year (≈ $28.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Maple Valley's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $55,139 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Maple Valley, Washington, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $59,219, which represents a 5.95% increase compared to the national median of $55,895. Local salaries range from $45,293 at the 10th percentile to $82,034 at the 90th percentile, offering a diverse landscape for job seekers depending on their experience and specialized skills. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight the potential for substantial earnings, particularly in roles that demand advanced certifications or specialized knowledge. As the demand for skilled welders grows, the pathways to higher compensation through certifications and ownership of welding rigs are becoming increasingly appealing for those looking to invest in their careers.
About the Maple Valley Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,293 | $21.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,156 | $24.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,219 | $28.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,263 | $32.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,034 | $39.44 |
Median Salary Position
5.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Maple Valley
In Maple Valley, WA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,741 (2026 est.). At $59,219, the local median is 5.95% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Maple Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Maple Valley Welder Pay Compares
Maple Valley median: $59,219/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Maple Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,270 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +5.95% more |
Welders in Maple Valley, WA earn a median of $59,219 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.95% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 4.90% below the Washington state average of $62,270.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Maple Valley has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Maple Valley, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,219 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,139 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,017
2025 BLS Actual
$56,947
2026 Current Est.
$59,219
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Maple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,017 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,818 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,806 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,368 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,851 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,348 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,947 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,219 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,582 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Maple Valley metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $45,017 (2019) to $56,947 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,582 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,565 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maple Valley 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) | $45,293 – $51,156 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,156 – $59,219 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,219 – $68,263 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,263 – $82,034 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Maple Valley
In Maple Valley's job market, a modest number of welders—just six—are currently employed, reflecting a niche but essential segment of the local economy. The cost of living index stands at 107.4, indicating that living expenses are slightly higher than the national average, which can affect take-home pay. Employers in the area providing competitive salaries typically include structural steel fabrication shops and oil and gas pipeline projects, where welders often see pay levels that reflect their specialized skills and the demands of traveling work. Factors such as certification levels—like the high-value 6G pipe and ASME IX qualifications—play a significant role in determining earnings potential. Additionally, entering the rig welder ownership path can lead to greater financial returns but requires an investment of $80,000 to $150,000 in equipment. Given the aging workforce projected to create a shortage in the coming years, welders in Maple Valley who continuously upgrade their skills and seek opportunities for specialized roles will likely secure better positions and higher wages.
More salary data for Maple Valley, 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 $56,947 for weldersin the Maple Valley 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 Maple Valley 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