Welder in Washington
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WA
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.
Welder Requirements in Washington
| Detail | Washington |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) |
| State License Required | No |
| 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 |
| 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. |
Welder Salary in Washington
The median welder salary in Washington is $61,730 per year, which is 21.0% above the national median of $51,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $47,620 |
| 25th | $52,220 |
| 50th (median) | $61,730 |
| 75th | $72,610 |
| 90th (experienced) | $83,300 |
Washington employs approximately 7,680 welders.
Welder Job Outlook
AI Impact on Welders
Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.
Is Becoming a Welder in Washington Worth It?
Factors to consider: Washington's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.