Welder Apprenticeship in Washington

Welders in Washington earn $61,730/yr at the median — 28% above the $48,060 national average across all occupations. A solid middle-class income that typically comes without student debt.

Compared to the $51,000 national median for Welders, Washington pays 21% more. The state ranks among the top-paying markets for this trade nationally.

The 2.2% growth projection is below average, but 45,600 replacement openings per year still create steady demand for trained Welders.

With 7,680 Welders employed (1.8% of the U.S. total), Washington is a smaller market for this trade. Apprenticeship seekers may find limited local options and should explore neighboring states.

The Welder apprenticeship path spans 3 years in a time-based format. During those 6,000 hours, apprentices rotate between jobsite work under a journeyman and formal instruction in precision measurement, CNC operations, and metallurgy.

Washington has 434 organizations running registered apprenticeship programs. Start with your local trade union or check apprenticeship.gov — the state's mid-range sponsor count means programs exist but may not be around every corner.

From $47,620 at the 10th percentile to $83,300 at the 90th, Welder wages in Washington are fairly compressed. Flat wage structures are common in heavily unionized trades where pay scales are negotiated collectively.