Seattle’s welding industry is heating up with high demand for skilled labor, competitive salaries, and a diverse array of career paths. With an estimated 80,000 welding jobs needing to be filled annually between 2024–2029 nationwide due to retirements and infrastructure expansion, Seattle — a hub for aerospace, manufacturing, and construction — is well-positioned to benefit from this trend 1. For those looking to break into the trade, programs like those at South Seattle College and Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) equip students with essential skills and WABO certification, a key credential that meets Washington state standards 23. Whether you’re a high school graduate or seeking career change, welders in Seattle can earn hourly wages ranging from $16.14 to $35.56, depending on experience and certification level 3. Ready to start your journey? Use Gild to find open welding apprenticeships and entry-level jobs in Seattle today, and for more detailed job data, check out Welding Workforce Data.
Welders play an essential role in shaping our infrastructure through precision metalwork in industries like aerospace, maritime, construction, and manufacturing. They use advanced techniques such as GTAW (TIG), FCAW, and SMAW to join and fabricate metals with high accuracy and strength, ensuring projects meet safety and regulatory standards 3. As Seattle grows, so does the need for welders in large-scale projects like the expansion of Boeing’s manufacturing lines and Puget Sound shipbuilding operations, detailed in resources like the Employment Security Department. With 21% of the current welding workforce over age 55, the sector is actively recruiting new talent to fill the gap 4.
Yes, to work as a certified welder in Seattle, you need to earn industry-recognized credentials, particularly the WABO (Washington Association of Building Officials) welder certification. This certification is not legally required, but it is widely mandated by major employers in Washington state for structural welding jobs 3. Under WABO Standard 27-13, welders must pass rigorous practical weld tests on plates or pipes. For more on these standards, visit the Washington ESD. Rejections can result from improper weld reinforcement (anything over 1/8 inch), grinding after fit-up, or incomplete weld beads 35. For those aiming at specialized industries like aerospace, additional certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS) are required, with more details at AWS Resources.
To become a welder in Seattle, the first step is enrolling in a qualified welding school. South Seattle College offers the Welding Fabrication Technology Certificate, which prepares students for WABO testing and entry-level positions 2. Similarly, Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) provides extensive classroom theory and laboratory training in core welding practices important for jobs in the region’s construction and manufacturing industries 3. Explore program options via LWTech Programs or directly through South Seattle College.
| Training Provider | Program Offered | Duration | Certification Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Seattle College | Welding Fabrication Technology Certificate | 6–12 months | WABO, AWS |
| Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) | Welding Technology, AAS Degree | 2 years | WABO, AWS, industry-specific |
| NW Welding Academy | Entry-Level Certificate | 3–6 months | AWS fundamentals |
In Washington state, if you don't attend a formal vocational program, you can qualify for certification by accumulating 4 full years of documented welding experience under supervision 6. However, for most job applications, especially in aerospace and maritime sectors, completing a training program is preferred.
Meet the Basic Requirements:
Choose a Training Program: Many trade schools in Seattle, such as LWTech, offer comprehensive welding programs that blend classroom instruction with real-world welding practice using cutting-edge tools. Topics include metallurgy, blueprint reading, trenchless technology, and personal safety routines 3. Visit Gild for Training for related listings.
Obtain Entry-Level Certification (e.g., AWS and WABO): After completing training, pursue a WABO welder certification, which is the most widely accepted credential in Washington for structural steel projects 35. Additional certifications from AWS, such as the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), are valuable for advancement in industries like aerospace, shipbuilding, and pipeline welding 7. More certification info can be found at Welding Workforce.
Apply for Open Welding Roles and On-the-Job Experience: With entry-level certification, you can apply for internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions through platforms like Gild, which aggregates thousands of welding jobs across Seattle in industries including construction, maritime, and aerospace 8. Check Indeed Salaries for wage insights.
Continue Education and Specialization: To move into higher-paying or technical welder specialties — like TIG or pipe welding, top employers such as Vigor, Inc. and Boeing seek welders who have certifications plus years of relevant work experience, often offering internal training and upskilling pathways 69.
Seattle’s welding job market offers a growing number of pathways for those with ambition and technical skill. From structural and aerospace welding to roles in boilermaking and pipefitting, the latitude for advancement is high.
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary in Seattle | Certification Required |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Welder | $42,000 | AWS D1.1 or WABO |
| Journeyman Welder | $61,913 | WABO, AWS Standard Certification |
| Pipe Welder | $65,200 | AWS-CWI, ASME |
| Aluminum TIG Welder | $57,253 | AWS-CWI, Tig Pipe |
| Master Welder/Supervisor | $74,960+ | Advanced BSEE, CWI, or Construction Management Degree |
According to ZipRecruiter, Seattle welders earn an average hourly wage of $25.33, with some skilled positions commanding up to $35.56 per hour 3. Indeed reports an average of $31.68 per hour, showing high wage potential for certified and specialized welders 2. For comprehensive salary data, refer to ZipRecruiter Salaries.
Like any trade profession, welding carries physical and economic risks. Over 25,000 injuries and illnesses were reported among Washington government workers recently, including welders, from burns, lung damage, and eye injuries 2. For more on injury statistics, see Washington Work Injury Stats. Outside injuries, job stability can vary depending on the construction cycle and demand across industries like aerospace and oil infrastructure. While economic downturns may affect project timelines, Seattle’s booming industries — like Boeing and Microsoft’s data center builds — add long-term momentum to the sector 9. Career-minded welders are advised to invest in safety training, maintain active certifications, and plan for diversification into supervisory or inspector roles over time 6.
If you're ready to start your career in welding today, your path is clear. Gild helps you quickly navigate Seattle’s welding job market by listing current welding apprenticeships, entry-level positions, WABO-certified roles, and advanced career opportunities all in one place. Whether you're just graduating from a vocational school or gaining hands-on experience, search for open welding jobs on Gild: Find Welding Jobs in Seattle here. Don’t just read about a new career in welding — make it happen now, and explore more at Welding Resources.
https://www.indeed.com/career/welder/salaries/Seattle--WA ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Welder-Salary-in-Seattle,WA ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10
https://myvocationaltrainingaz.com/blog/the-future-of-the-welding-industry/ ↩
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Welding-Salary--in-Washington ↩ ↩2
https://www.earlbeck.com/welding-101-blog/2025-welding-career-outlook ↩
https://southseattle.edu/programs/welding/welding-fabrication-technology-certificate ↩
