If you’re living in Washington and you want to become a welder in this article you will find relevant information about this career path and what to expect.
You will learn about types of welding, welding certificates, job prospects, schools that offer training in this profession.
Contents
Job Description
Although job descriptions vary depending on the industry of employment and the welder’s level of experience, as a welder, your main task will be to join pieces of metal together using specialized equipment.
Because all major projects regarding infrastructure require welders, this profession will remain in demand in the future.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that this profession will grow 3 percent from 2019 to 2029 with most new job openings stemming from the need to replace and repair worn-out infrastructure.
As a beginner in this profession, you can improve your chances of finding a good job by becoming a certified welder.
Career Path
A high school diploma or equivalent is all that you need to start a career as a welder but having some post-secondary education will help you get a higher starting salary.
If your high school offers some technical courses or shop classes, it’s a good idea to take them because this will teach you the basics of blueprint reading and other technical skills that are very useful in welding.
As you would expect, most employers prefer candidates who have a diploma or degree in the field but there are still some who will train you on the job.
As mentioned earlier, it’s a good idea to apply for a certificate offered by the American Welding Society because this will give you an advantage over your competitors on the job market and help you earn a higher starting salary.
There are many places where you can learn welding in the state of Washington.
From trade schools to community colleges, and apprenticeships: there are plenty of training opportunities and you should thoroughly research all your options before enrolling in a specific program.
Tuition varies between a few thousand and more than $15,000 depending on the duration and the type of the program but scholarships are also available to qualifying students.
Before deciding where to enroll it’s best to visit the school’s website and to gather as much information as needed about accreditation, tuition costs, curriculum, exams, and all the other factors that will be relevant in your choice.
Below we have compiled contact information for the schools that offer welding programs in Washington.
26 Welding Schools in Welding Schools In Washington
Welders in Washington
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary in the state of Washington is $66,870 as of May 2020.
The manufacturing industry accounts for 11.21% of the state’s total output and employs 8.45% of the total workforce, according to the National Association of Manufacturers.
In 2018 the total output from manufacturing was $63.13 Billion.
The biggest manufacturing industry in Washington is aerospace and other transportation equipment, which accounts for $32.4 Billion to the state’s output.
The output from manufacturers of fabricated metal products was roughly $1.9 Billion, while machinery manufacturers contribute approximately $1.6 million to the state’s total output.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industries with the highest employment level for this profession are:
- Manufacturers of fabricated metal products
- Manufacturers of machinery
- Fabricated metal products manufacturing
- Motor vehicle body and trailer manufacturing
- Foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors
According to salary.com, the median annual wage for Washington welders with less than 3 years of experience is $46,275 as of April 2021.
The median salary shows us that half of all workers in this profession earned less than this amount while half earned more.
This is lower than the state average but salaries increase as welders become more experienced and earn additional certifications.
As an entry-level welder, you can make anywhere between less than $37,000 and more than $59,000.
Earning a post-secondary degree or certificate and learning multiple welding techniques can improve your starting salary.
The same report calculates the median annual salary for welders with 3-5 years of experience at $53,446 but wages range from less than $41,799 and more than $66,504 depending on other factors, including the industry of employment and the level of education.
Welders with 5-7 years of experience reportedly earn $64,724 per year on average.
The lowest 10 percent of experienced welders reportedly made less than $49,401 while the highest 10 percent made more than $83,934.
As the table below shows, salaries in Washington also vary from city to city.
Annual Salary Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$35K | |
$52K | |
$84K |
Average Salary of Welders in Welding Schools In Washington
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Seattle | $54,213 |
| Spokane | $47,797 |
| Tacoma | $52,577 |
| Vancouver | $51,343 |
| Bellevue | $54,213 |
| Everett | $53,052 |
| Federal Way | $52,577 |
| Kent | $52,471 |
| Yakima | $49,074 |
| Bellingham | $50,623 |
