Welder in Washington
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Washington.
Jobs (WA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a welder in Washington
To become a certified welder in Washington, individuals must pass a performance qualification test administered by a Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) Certified Testing Agency. While Washington does not require a state license for all welding work, WABO certification is necessary for welders working on structural steel in public buildings. The application fee for WABO certification is $62, with additional costs for the performance test paid directly to the testing facility, which can range from $200-$500. Certification must be renewed annually and requires verification of satisfactory welding performance.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Washington. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Washington requirements
| Licensing body | Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) |
| State license | Not required |
| Education | Must pass a performance qualification test at a WABO Certified Testing Agency. |
| Exam | WABO Welder Certification Test ($62) |
| Application fee | $62 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Reciprocity | Reciprocity is not specified for Washington, but WABO certifications may be recognized elsewhere.Reciprocal states: Not specified, but WABO certifications may be recognized in nearby states like Idaho, Oregon, and parts of Montana. |
| Notes | Certification is required for welders working on structural steel on public buildings. Exam costs are paid to third-party testing facilities and vary (e.g., $200-$500). A background check and proof of identity may be required by some testing facilities. Renewal requires verification from an employer, supervisor, contractor, site inspector, or welder examiner/instructor that satisfactory welding has been performed. |
Source: Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO)
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Washington? See whether Washington recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Welder license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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