Welder Salary in Renton, WA: $63,875 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Renton, WA earns a median $63,875/year (≈ $30.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Renton's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $59,474 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Renton, Washington, the welder salary reflects a dynamic market where the median annual income stands at $63,875, notably higher than the national average of $55,895. The salary spectrum here ranges from $45,040 for entry-level positions to $91,115 for those at the top of their craft, indicating a healthy demand for skilled professionals across various welding specialties. Pipe welders, particularly those with 6G certifications, tend to dominate the higher pay brackets due to their specialized skill set, while structural welders and production welders occupy the mid-range. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments underscore the competitive nature of Renton’s welding market, driven by industry needs and workforce proficiency.
About the Renton Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,040 | $21.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,070 | $26.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,875 | $30.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,407 | $35.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,115 | $43.80 |
Median Salary Position
14.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Renton
In Renton, WA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,075 (2026 est.). At $63,875, the local median is 14.28% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Renton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Renton Welder Pay Compares
Renton median: $63,875/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Renton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $62,256 | +2.60% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +14.28% more |
Welders in Renton, WA earn a median of $63,875 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.28% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.60% above the Washington state average of $62,256.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Renton has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Renton, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,875 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $59,474 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,556
2025 BLS Actual
$61,424
2026 Current Est.
$63,875
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Renton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,556 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,499 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,722 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,327 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,927 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,327 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,424 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,875 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,423 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Renton metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $48,556 (2019) to $61,424 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,423 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,867 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Renton 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) | $45,040 – $54,070 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,070 – $63,875 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,875 – $74,407 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,407 – $91,115 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Renton
The job market for welders in Renton is robust, with 27 professionals presently employed. The cost of living index in the area is 107.4, which suggests that take-home pay may not stretch as far as in lower-cost regions, necessitating a focus on maximizing earnings. High-paying employers in Renton include entities involved in oil and gas pipeline welding, aerospace and defense sectors, and structural steel fabrication shops. The pay disparity can be attributed to multiple factors, such as the level of certification required, specialty fields like nuclear welding, and whether the work is local or traveling, which often comes with added per-diem benefits. For welders aiming to enhance their income, pursuing additional certifications—including underwater welding or advanced pipeline techniques—while considering union opportunities or moving into rig welder ownership can be effective strategies in this competitive market.
More salary data for Renton, 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 $61,424 for weldersin the Renton 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 Renton 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