Welder Salary in Pasco, WA: $60,736 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Pasco, WA earns a median $60,736/year (≈ $29.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Pasco's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $56,551 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welder salaries in Pasco, Washington, are competitive within the region, with a projected median annual income of $60,736 in 2026, outperforming the national median of $55,895 by approximately 8.66%. That said, local welders can expect a salary range from $45,588 at the lower end (10th percentile) to an upper figure of $87,320 (90th percentile), reflecting a diversity of skill levels and types of welding work. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data alongside adjustments for regional cost factors, presenting a realistic view of job compensation in Pasco's specific market. The unique dynamics at play include variations in pay between local employment versus assignments as traveling pipe welders, who often receive additional per-diem income and tax-deductible benefits that can significantly amplify their earnings.
About the Pasco Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,588 | $21.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,353 | $25.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,736 | $29.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,483 | $34.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,320 | $41.98 |
Median Salary Position
8.66% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasco
In Pasco, WA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,732 (2026 est.). At $60,736, the local median is 8.66% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pasco: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pasco Welder Pay Compares
Pasco median: $60,736/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pasco Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,230 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +8.66% more |
Welders in Pasco, WA earn a median of $60,736 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.66% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.40% below the Washington state average of $62,230.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pasco has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pasco, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,736 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,551 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,171
2025 BLS Actual
$58,406
2026 Current Est.
$60,736
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Pasco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,171 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,018 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,082 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,658 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,179 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,406 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,736 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,160 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pasco metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $46,171 (2019) to $58,406 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,160 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,989 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasco 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) | $45,588 – $53,353 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,353 – $60,736 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,736 – $71,483 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,483 – $87,320 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Pasco
Analyzing the local job market, there are currently 18 welders employed in the Pasco area, which indicates a niche environment with limited competition among workers. However, the cost of living index in Pasco stands at 107.4, suggesting that while salaries for welders might appear attractive, actual purchasing power is slightly reduced due to higher living costs. Among the various employers, firms involved in oil and gas pipeline welding and petrochemical refineries generally offer the highest compensation packages. Job seekers can maximize their welder pay in Pasco WA by obtaining advanced certifications, such as the 6G pipe certification or qualifications in nuclear welding, which command premiums in salary. Additionally, opting for traveling positions can boost earnings significantly compared to local roles. As the industry faces a shortage of skilled welders, there are ample opportunities for those willing to invest in furthering their specialized skills and training.
More salary data for Pasco, 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 $58,406 for weldersin the Pasco 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 Pasco 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