CertOutlook

Welder in Washington

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$61,730
trending_up +21.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Washington.

engineering
7,680

Jobs (WA)

monitoring Stable
+2.2%

10-yr job growth

payments
$124

Licensing fees

schedule
2-4 weeks (for processing after testing)

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

10th percentile (entry) $47,620
25th percentile $52,220
50th (median) $61,730
75th percentile $72,610
90th (experienced) $83,300

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Washington. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Washington requirements

Licensing bodyWashington Association of Building Officials (WABO)
State license Not required
EducationMust pass a performance qualification test at a WABO Certified Testing Agency.
ExamWABO Welder Certification Test ($62)
Application fee$62
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
NotesCertification 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)

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+2.2%
Average
Annual openings
45,600
Nationwide per year
Total employment
457,300
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -1.20/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a welder in Washington? expand_more
The path to welder licensure in Washington: complete the required education (Must pass a performance qualification test at a WABO Certified Testing Agency.), pass the WABO Welder Certification Test, and submit your application ($62 fee).
Is a state license required for welders in Washington? expand_more
Washington does not require a state license for welders. Note: 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.
What is the average welder salary in Washington? expand_more
welders in Washington earn a median of $61,730 annually. — 21% higher than the $51,000 national figure. New welders start around $47,620; seasoned professionals can reach $83,300.
What's the total cost to get welder certified in Washington? expand_more
Between exam fee ($62) and application fee ($62), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
What's the timeline to become a welder in Washington? expand_more
In Washington, becoming a welder generally takes 2-4 weeks (for processing after testing), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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