Welding Schools in Washington State

Washington State has one of the most diverse welding job markets in the country. Boeing's massive aircraft manufacturing operations in Renton and Everett employ aerospace welders. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton employs structural and pipe welders on Navy vessels. Construction and ironwork in the booming Seattle metro create demand for structural welders. And the growing renewable energy sector is adding additional welding work. Washington's no-income-tax status makes strong welding wages even more valuable.

Types of Welding Work in Washington State

• Aerospace welding (Boeing): Boeing Renton (737) and Everett (787) employ certified aerospace welders. AWS D17.1 and Boeing-specific qualifications required. $28-$48/hr with strong Boeing benefits.
• Navy shipyard welding: Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) in Bremerton is one of the largest Navy shipyards in the US, employing structural and pipe welders on nuclear and conventional vessels. NAVSEA qualifications required. $28-$46/hr federal pay scale.
• Construction ironwork: Ironworkers Local 86 covers the Seattle area. Structural steel welding on Seattle high-rise and bridge construction. $40-$54/hr union.
• Pipeline and industrial: Natural gas infrastructure and industrial facilities statewide. $30-$48/hr.
• Fabrication shops: Custom metal fabrication for the active Washington construction and manufacturing market.

Top Welding Schools in Washington State

• Renton Technical College: Strong welding program adjacent to Boeing Renton. Aerospace industry connections.
• Bates Technical College (Tacoma): Welding programs near the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard market.
• Bellingham Technical College: Welding programs for Northwest Washington.
• Clover Park Technical College (Lakewood): Welding near JBLM and the South Puget Sound market.
• Columbia Basin College (Pasco): Welding programs for Eastern Washington.

Welding Salary in Washington State

• Entry-level welder: $20-$26/hr
• Certified structural welder: $26-$38/hr
• Aerospace welder (Boeing): $28-$48/hr with premium Boeing benefits
• Navy shipyard welder (PSNS): $28-$46/hr federal pay scale with federal benefits
• Union ironworker welder (Seattle): $40-$54/hr

Frequently Asked Questions

What welding certifications are most valuable in Washington State?

AWS D17.1 aerospace is most valuable for Boeing work in Renton and Everett. NAVSEA qualifications are required for Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. AWS D1.1 Structural is the baseline for construction ironwork. For pipeline work, API 1104 is valuable.

How do I get a welding job at Boeing?

Boeing recruits production welders through their website and job fairs. They look for candidates with welding program certificates and relevant AWS qualifications. Boeing provides additional in-house training toward their specific weld procedure qualifications. Renton Technical College, located adjacent to the Boeing Renton plant, has strong Boeing hiring connections.

What is Puget Sound Naval Shipyard?

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) in Bremerton is one of the largest Navy shipyards in the US. It performs maintenance, overhaul, and repair on Navy vessels including aircraft carriers and submarines. PSNS employs thousands of structural welders, pipe welders, and shipfitters as federal civilian employees with federal pay scales and comprehensive benefits.

Is there a welding shortage in Washington State?

Yes. Boeing aerospace, PSNS, and Seattle construction all face certified welder shortages. Washington State Workforce Board lists welding as a high-demand shortage occupation. The combination of high wages, no income tax, and strong demand makes Washington one of the best states in the country for welding careers.

How does Washington State no income tax affect welding careers?

Washington is one of nine US states with no personal income tax. A welder earning $40/hr in Seattle keeps significantly more of their income than an equivalently-paid welder in California, Oregon, or New York. Combined with Washington's strong union wages, this makes Washington State one of the most financially rewarding locations for welding careers in the country.