Welder in Kennewick, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Kennewick Stands

If you're a welder eyeing Kennewick, the money conversation starts with a reality check. The median salary for a welder here is $49,441/year, which breaks down to roughly $23.77/hour. At first glance, that seems to be right in line with the national average of $49,590/year, but that's where the context of Kennewick's cost of living becomes critical. While the city's Cost of Living Index sits at 99.0 (just 1% below the U.S. average of 100), the local job market is tight. There are only about 170 welder jobs in the entire metro area, and the 10-year job growth projection is a modest 2%. This isn't a boomtown for welders; it's a stable, steady market where experience and specialization matter more than volume.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different career stages in the Kennewick area. These figures are based on local industry surveys, BLS data for the region, and conversations with shop managers.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Hourly Rate	Local Context
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$38,000 - $44,000	$18.25 - $21.15	Often starts in production welding or as a helper. Many local shops have structured apprenticeship programs.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$49,441 (Median) - $58,000	$23.77 - $27.88	This is where most journeyman welders land. Proficiency in multiple processes (MIG, TIG, Stick) is expected.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$60,000 - $72,000	$28.85 - $34.62	Often leads to roles like lead welder, shop foreman, or QA/QC inspector. AWS certifications are a major plus.
Expert (15+ yrs / Specialty)	$75,000+	$36.06+	This tier is for specialized roles: certified pressure vessel welders, pipeline welders (on local infrastructure projects), or welding engineers.

Compared to other Washington cities:

• Seattle-Tacoma: The median is closer to $62,000, but the cost of living (especially rent) is 40-50% higher. A welder's paycheck doesn't go nearly as far.
• Spokane: Salaries are very similar to Kennewick (around $48,500), but the job market is slightly larger with more industrial diversity.
• Yakima: Wages are a bit lower (median around $46,000), but so is the rent. It's a comparable market, though Kennewick's proximity to the Tri-Cities' larger industrial base gives it a slight edge.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base number. Many local employers offer overtime, especially during peak seasons for agriculture (harvest prep) and energy (plant maintenance). A mid-level welder bringing home $55,000+ with overtime is not uncommon.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. With a median salary of $49,441, your take-home pay after federal taxes, Washington state taxes (which are high on income but have no state sales tax), and FICA will be approximately $39,500 annually, or about $3,292 per month.

Now, let's factor in the rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Kennewick runs about $1,206/month. Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single welder earning the median wage:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,206	Varies by neighborhood (see below).
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250	Tri-Cities has moderate utility costs.
Groceries	$400	Based on a single person's budget.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	Essential in Kennewick; public transit is limited.
Fuel	$150	Average commute is 15-20 minutes.
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$250	A significant expense if not covered.
Miscellaneous (Phone, Personal)	$200
Remaining	$386	For savings, student loans, emergencies, or entertainment.

Can they afford to buy a home?
It's a stretch on a single median income. The median home price in Kennewick is around $390,000. A 20% down payment would be $78,000, and a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes/insurance) would likely exceed $2,000. This is more than half of the net monthly income. While it's possible with a larger down payment, significant overtime, or a dual-income household, it's not the default path for a solo earner at the median wage. Renting is the more common and manageable option.

Where the Jobs Are: Kennewick's Major Employers

Kennewick's welding jobs are tied to a few key industries: agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. The job market is small, so knowing the major players is essential. With only 170 jobs in the metro, networking and knowing who's hiring is half the battle.

1. Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) - Kennewick Campus: While not a traditional employer, their industrial trades programs are a pipeline. Many graduates get placed with local partners. They also hire for their own maintenance and facilities teams.
2. Lamb Weston / Conagra Brands: This is a giant in frozen potato products. Their massive processing plants in the Tri-Cities (with one major facility near Kennewick) require constant maintenance welders for machinery, piping, and structural work. Hiring is steady but competitive.
3. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL): Located in nearby Richland, PNNL is a massive research institution. They have in-house facilities teams and also contract through firms like Battelle for specialized welding on lab equipment and infrastructure projects. This is where you find high-skill, precision work.
4. Local Pipeline & Energy Contractors: Companies like Michels or Linde (industrial gas) have a presence in the region for pipeline maintenance and construction. These jobs can be project-based, offering good money but less stability.
5. Richland Metals & Industrial Supply: A key supplier and often a contractor for custom fabrication. They hire welders for shop work on agricultural and industrial parts.
6. Agricultural Equipment Dealers & Repair Shops: Kennewick is in the heart of the Yakima Valley's agricultural sphere. Companies like Wilbur-Ellis or numerous local implement dealers need welders for repairing and modifying farm equipment, especially during pre-harvest and post-harvest seasons.
7. City of Kennewick / Public Works: The city itself employs welders for maintaining water infrastructure, public buildings, and city vehicles. These are stable, government jobs with good benefits.

Hiring Trends: The trends are conservative. Most hiring is for replacement, not expansion. The 2% job growth means positions open up due to retirements or someone leaving the area. The best jobs are often filled through word-of-mouth. Being active in the local American Welding Society (AWS) chapter or knowing a shop foreman can give you a leg up on a posted opening.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington does not have a state-level licensure requirement for general welding. You do not need a "state welder's license" to practice. However, the path to being employable is through certification and verification.

• Key Requirement: American Welding Society (AWS) Certifications. This is the de facto license. Most employers will require you to pass a welding test specific to their needs (e.g., AWS D1.1 for structural steel, ASME Section IX for pressure vessels). Certifications are employer-specific; you don't bring a generic one with you. You get tested on their equipment, to their standards.
• Process: You typically test during the interview process. If you pass, you are "certified" for that employer, for that specific procedure. If you change jobs, you'll test again.
• Cost: The cost of the test is usually covered by the employer. If you are seeking training, courses at WWCC can cost $500 - $2,500 depending on the program length.
• Timeline: An entry-level training program can take 6 months to 2 years. If you're already a certified welder from another state, you can be job-ready in a matter of weeks, pending a successful test with a local employer.
• Insider Tip: In Kennewick, being certified in Pipe Welding (6G position) or having experience with Aluminum TIG (for food-grade or aerospace work) makes you significantly more valuable and employable than a basic flux-core MIG welder.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Your choice of neighborhood will balance commute time, rent, and lifestyle. Kennewick isn't a huge city, but traffic on Highway 395 and 240 can add up.

1. West Kennewick (Near Highway 395):

   • Rent Estimate: $1,050 - $1,300 for a 1BR.
   • Commute: Excellent. Quick access to major employers like Lamb Weston and the industrial parks along 395. A 10-15 minute drive is common.
   • Vibe: More commercial, with shopping centers and chain restaurants. Practical for a welder who wants to minimize drive time.

2. East Kennewick (Near Columbia Center Blvd):

   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400 for a 1BR.
   • Commute: Good. Easier access to Richland and PNNL (via 240). Can be busier with traffic.
   • Vibe: A mix of older homes and newer developments. Closer to the Columbia River for recreation. The area near the mall has more amenities.

3. South Kennewick (Off 10th Ave):

   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200 for a 1BR.
   • Commute: Good. Direct routes to the southern industrial areas and agricultural repair shops.
   • Vibe: More residential, quieter. Fewer big-box stores, but still close to essentials. Good value for your rent dollar.

4. Highland (Unincorporated, north of Kennewick):

   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,250 for a 1BR (in nearby complexes).
   • Commute: Fair. Requires a car and a 15-20 minute drive to most job sites, but avoids city traffic.
   • Vibe: Rural feel, larger lots, more privacy. Popular with those who want space but still need to commute for work.

Insider Tip: If you're looking at apartments, check the parking lot. If you see work trucks (especially from companies like Lamb Weston or local contractors), it's a good sign residents work in the trades. It also means the area is convenient for them.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Kennewick, career growth for a welder isn't about climbing a corporate ladder; it's about increasing your skill set and value in a niche market.

Specialty Premiums:

• Certified Pipe Welder (6G): Can command a $5-$10/hour premium over a general structural welder. Essential for energy and power plant work.
• Stainless Steel TIG (for Food/Pharma): Crucial for work at Lamb Weston or any food processing facility. A 20-30% salary bump is possible, as it requires high precision and cleanliness.
• QA/QC Inspector: With experience and additional certifications (like CWI - Certified Welding Inspector), you can move into a role that pays $70,000 - $85,000. This involves less physical welding and more oversight, testing, and documentation.
• Welding Foreman/Supervisor: Requires leadership skills and deep knowledge. Pay can reach $65,000 - $80,000 in the Tri-Cities area.

Advancement Paths:

1. Specialist: Master a high-demand niche (pipe, aluminum, stainless).
2. Inspector: Transition into QA/QC, which is less physically demanding and higher paid.
3. Instructor: Leverage experience to teach at WWCC or a private training school.
4. Small Business Owner: The classic path. Start a mobile welding rig for agricultural or residential repair. This has high upside but requires business savvy and capital.

10-Year Outlook (The 2% Growth Reality):
The outlook is stable, not explosive. The 2% growth means the industry isn't disappearing, but it's not surging either. The key drivers will be:

• Infrastructure Maintenance: Aging pipelines, water systems, and public infrastructure need constant upkeep.
• Agriculture: This is Kennewick's backbone. Farm equipment will always need repair and modification.
• Energy Transition: As the grid evolves, there will be work building and maintaining new energy infrastructure, though it may be project-based.

Insider Tip: The best way to ensure your career grows in Kennewick is to never stop learning. Take a course in a new welding process every few years. Your employer may even pay for it. The welder who can do MIG, TIG, Stick, and read a blueprint is the welder who never fears a layoff.

The Verdict: Is Kennewick Right for You?

Kennewick offers a specific type of welding career: stable, community-oriented, and tied to the land and its industries. It's not for everyone, but for the right person, it's a great fit.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $49,441 median salary stretches much further here than in Seattle or Spokane.	Limited Job Market: Only 170 jobs and 2% growth means competition for the best roles and less mobility.
Stable, Relatable Industries: Agriculture and energy are evergreen needs. Skills won't become obsolete.	Wages Are At or Slightly Below National Average: While cost-adjusted, you may earn less raw cash than in a major metro.
Short, Easy Commutes: Most welders live 10-20 minutes from work.	Limited Cultural/Recreation Scene: You're an outdoors person or you'll be bored. The city is quiet and family-oriented.
Strong Community: Smaller cities mean you get to know people. Networking is personal.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is not a viable option for most workers.
Outdoor Access: World-class hiking, fishing, and wine tasting are minutes away.	Summers are HOT: Welding in a shop or outside in July/August can be brutal, often reaching 100°F+.

Final Recommendation:
Kennewick is an excellent choice for a welder who values quality of life over a high-paced, high-cost urban environment. It's ideal for someone who:

• Is at a mid-career stage and wants to specialize in a stable industry.
• Enjoys the outdoors and doesn't need big-city nightlife.
• Is looking to eventually buy a home (with a partner or over time) in a market that's more accessible.
• Is self-reliant and can network in a smaller community.

If you're a young welder looking to break into cutting-edge tech or make a top-tier national salary, look to Seattle or the East Side. But if you want a solid career where your paycheck covers your life and leaves room for the mountains, Kennewick is a strong, practical bet.

FAQs

Q: I'm an uncertified welder. Can I find a job in Kennewick?
A: It's very difficult. Most employers require you to pass a welding test on day one. Your best bet is to enroll in a 6-month certificate program at Walla Walla Community College. This gives you the foundational skills to pass a test and shows employers you're serious.

Q: How long does it take to get hired?
A: With certifications and some experience, you could be interviewing within weeks. For an entry-level trainee, it could take 6-12 months to complete training and then find a first job. The market is slow, so patience is required.

Q: Are there union jobs in Kennewick?
A: Union presence (like the International Association of Machinists) is limited. Most welding jobs are non-union, shop-based positions. There may be some unionized work on larger construction or pipeline projects, but they are not the norm for local daily employment.

Q: Is the work seasonal?
A: Some sectors have busy seasons. Agricultural repair shops are swamped pre-harvest (late summer/early fall) and post-harvest. Energy plants often do major maintenance in spring and fall. General manufacturing and public works jobs are steady year-round.

Q: What's the best way to find a job here?
A: Online job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn) will post openings, but the best jobs are often filled through networks. Walk into local