TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Welder Salary in Seattle
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$80,434/yr
Typical range: $70,333 – $101,211
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Welder salary by experience level in Seattle
Welder Salary Progression in Seattle
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $60,747 | $5,062 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $72,559 | $6,047 | +19% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $80,434 | $6,703 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $88,083 | $7,340 | +45% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $102,933 | $8,578 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $113,732 | $9,478 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $116,432 | $9,703 | +92% |
Current Salary
$80,434
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $39/hr
Next Level Target
$88,083
Senior · 6
+$8Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
30/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Welder salary in Seattle, WA?
3–5 Years Experience Welders in Seattle, WA earn approximately $80K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Welder make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $80K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $39/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Welder in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Welder in Seattle, WA earns $101K–$119K/yr.