Senior Welder Salary in Edmonds, WA: $85,990 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of welders working in Edmonds, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $85,990/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 51-4121. Strip back Edmonds's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $80,065 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Edmonds, Washington, experienced welders can anticipate substantial earnings in 2026, with top-tier professionals poised to earn as much as $85,990 annually, and many likely achieving $70,890 at the 75th percentile. This sharp contrast between the median annual salary of $60,364 and the top earning potential effectively illustrates the significant experience premium available to committed welders in the area. To break into this upper echelon, welders may need a combination of specialized skills, such as mastering techniques in pipe welding or obtaining advanced AWS certifications, alongside a strong network of industry connections that can lead to higher paying positions.
About the Edmonds Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Edmonds
Experienced welders at the top of the pay scale in Edmonds earn between $70,890 and $85,990 per year (2026 est.). This $42,849 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Edmonds median of $60,364 sits 8% above the US median.
Top WLD Salary Comparison
| Level | Edmonds | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $60,364 | $55,895 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,890 | $65,524 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $85,990 | $80,623 |
In Edmonds, experienced welders (P90) earn 42.45% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Welder Pay in Edmonds
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA welders with additional specialty certifications within the welding field earn significantly above the $60,364 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Edmonds employers.
Specialty Focus
Welders focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the welding field in Edmonds command premium compensation, often reaching the $70,890–$85,990 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Edmonds metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced welders who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured welders in Edmonds with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Welders in Washington who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Welder Career & Wage Growth Path in Edmonds
Clinical Welder
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Welder
5-10 yearsWelder Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedEdmonds ranks #30 of 50 Washington cities for top earner welder salary (90th percentile: $85,990).
Top 10% welder compensation in Edmonds ($85,990) is 5.36% below the Washington average P90 ($90,861).
2019 BLS Actual
$68,516
2025 BLS Actual
$82,691
2026 Current Est.
$85,990
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Edmonds (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,516 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,660 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,898 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,327 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,827 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,793 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,691 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,990 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,421 | Projected |
Top-earning welders (90th percentile) in Edmonds saw their compensation grow 20.7% from $68,516 in 2019 to $82,691 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.99% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $89,421 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edmonds 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.
Maximizing Your Welder Earnings in Edmonds
Advanced welding specializations like pipe welding—especially those certified under the 6G standard—are crucial for achieving the highest wage brackets in Edmonds. Employers in sectors such as oil and gas pipeline welding and petrochemical plants often pay competitive rates due to the high demands of their projects. Senior welders must also consider that compensation can vary significantly among employer types. Shipyards and aerospace industries tend to offer premium rates, while structural fabrication shops may provide more stable, if slightly lower, pay. Moreover, paths like transitioning to a lead role or becoming a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) can significantly escalate one's earning potential. Advanced training credentials, such as ASME Section IX and NQA-1 qualifications, also add value, reinforcing that ongoing education and specialization are keys to maximizing senior welder pay in WA.
More salary data for Edmonds, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced welders make in Edmonds in 2026?
What drives higher welder pay in Edmonds?
What certifications boost welder salary in Edmonds?
Can experienced welders make six figures in Edmonds?
How much does welder salary increase over time in Edmonds?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $82,691 for welders in the Edmonds metro area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Edmonds 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