TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Welder Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$102,933/yr
Typical range: $101,211 – $119,267
P90 · 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-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $80,434 | $6,703 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $88,083 | $7,340 | +45% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$102,933
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $49/hr
Next Level Target
$113,732
Principal · 14
+$11Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
30/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Welder salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Welders in Seattle, WA earn approximately $103K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Welder make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $103K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $49/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.