Welder in Redmond, WA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Welders considering a move to Redmond, Washington.

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A Career Guide for Welders in Redmond, Washington

Redmond isn't just the "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest" or the home of Microsoft. It’s a thriving tech hub with a surprisingly robust manufacturing and industrial base. For welders, this means a unique market: high cost of living, moderate wages, but access to some of the most advanced fabrication and aerospace repair jobs in the country. If you’re considering moving here for a welding career, you need to know the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the specific employers who are actually hiring. This guide cuts through the noise with data-driven insights from a local perspective.

The Salary Picture: Where Redmond Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a welder in the Redmond area is $51,524/year, with an hourly rate of $24.77/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $49,590/year, which makes sense given the region's cost of living. However, it's crucial to understand that this median is heavily influenced by the mix of employers—ranging from small, custom fabrication shops to massive aerospace contractors.

Compared to other Washington cities, Redmond sits in a middle tier. It’s not as high-paying as the industrial corridors of Tacoma or Everett, where union density and major shipyards drive wages up, but it outpaces many smaller rural towns.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential in Redmond scales directly with experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Est. Annual Salary	Est. Hourly Rate
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2	$40,000 - $48,000	$19.25 - $23.00
Mid-Level Journeyman	3-7	$51,000 - $62,000	$24.50 - $29.75
Senior Specialist	8-15	$65,000 - $80,000	$31.25 - $38.50
Expert / Inspector	15+	$85,000+	$40.85+

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior often happens when you gain certifications in high-demand processes like GTAW (TIG) on exotic metals (Inconel, titanium) or gain ASME Section IX or AWS D1.1/D1.6 credentials. At companies like Blue Origin or Boeing suppliers, that jump can be immediate.

Comparison to Other WA Cities

• $51,524 (Redmond)
• $54,200 (Seattle)
• $57,800 (Everett - Boeing hub)
• $56,100 (Tacoma - Port & Shipyard)
• $48,300 (Spokane)

The 10-year job growth projection for welders in the metro area is 2%. This is a critical piece of data. It indicates a stable but slow-growing market. The growth isn't in new shops popping up everywhere; it's in replacing a retiring workforce and in specialized roles to support the tech and aerospace sectors.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $51,524 sounds okay until you factor in Redmond’s cost of living. The Cost of Living Index here is 113.0 (US avg = 100). The average 1-bedroom apartment rent is $1,864/month. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single welder earning the median.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax & Post-Tax)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,294
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,000
• Net Monthly Pay (Take-Home): ~$3,294

Sample Monthly Expenses:

• Rent (1-BR Average): -$1,864
• Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet): -$200
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in Redmond): -$450
• Groceries: -$350
• Fuel/Commuting: -$150
• Healthcare/Insurance: -$250
• Total Essential Expenses: -$3,264

This leaves a razor-thin margin of $30/month. This budget assumes no student debt, no car loan (or a very cheap one), and no major emergencies. It’s tight.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
With the median home price in Redmond exceeding $900,000, a single welder earning $51,524 cannot afford to buy a home in Redmond. The standard mortgage calculation (28% rule) would allow for a monthly payment of around $1,230, which is far below the typical mortgage for even a condo in this city. Most welders we spoke with either rent with roommates, live in more affordable neighboring cities like Woodinville or Kirkland, or have a dual-income household.

Where the Jobs Are: Redmond's Major Employers

The job market here is specialized. You won't find massive, general-fabrication job boards. Hiring is often done through direct outreach or specialized recruiters. Here are the key players:

1. Blue Origin (Everett & Kent, but major commuter draw): While their main facility is in Kent, Blue Origin has a significant engineering and manufacturing presence in the Everett area, which is a direct commute from Redmond via I-405. They are constantly hiring welders for their New Glenn rocket program. They prioritize aerospace certifications and experience with high-purity gas systems. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on TIG specialists.

2. Boeing Fabrication Division (Multiple locations): Boeing’s composite and metal fabrication shops in Auburn and Everett are major employers. Redmond residents often commute to these facilities. Union (IAM) jobs here offer the highest wage premiums. Hiring Trend: Cyclical based on commercial aircraft orders, but defense contracts provide stability.

3. Mitsubishi Electric US (MEUS) - HVAC Division: Located in Redmond, this facility manufactures large-scale HVAC systems for commercial buildings. They have an in-house welding shop for structural and sheet metal components. Hiring Trend: Stable, with a focus on MIG and fabrication for industrial systems.

4. Kirtland Metals & Alloys: A local custom fabrication shop in nearby Woodinville. They work on high-end architectural pieces, industrial components, and prototypes for tech companies. This is a great place for a welder who enjoys variety and smaller-scale, high-precision work. Hiring Trend: Slow but steady growth; they often hire through word-of-mouth.

5. Pacific Metal Works (Renton): A full-service fabrication shop serving the aerospace, marine, and industrial sectors. They are known for working with stainless steel, aluminum, and exotic alloys. Renton is a 20-30 minute commute from Redmond. Hiring Trend: Consistent demand for skilled TIG and MIG welders.

6. Local Hospital & University Systems: UW Medicine and Overlake Medical Center (in Bellevue) have facilities maintenance teams that employ welders for structural repairs, medical equipment fabrication, and infrastructure projects. These are niche, stable jobs with excellent benefits. Hiring Trend: Slow but very stable; hiring is infrequent but positions are long-term.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State does not have a state-level welder license. Instead, certification is handled by the employer and verified by third-party agencies.

• The Process: Most employers require you to pass a welding test (often to AWS D1.1 or ASME Section IX standards) during the interview process. They may also require specific certifications for the processes (GMAW, GTAW, etc.) and positions they use.
• Costs: The cost is typically borne by the employer during hiring. However, if you want to get certified before applying, you can attend a test at a local testing facility like Anixter Center (in Seattle) or a community college. Expect to pay $200 - $500 per certification test.
• Timeline: If you already have experience, you can start applying immediately. If you need to get certified, you can often schedule a test within 1-2 weeks. The entire process from application to job offer can take 4-8 weeks.
• Key Resource: The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) oversees apprenticeship programs. For journeyman-level recognition, completing a state-approved apprenticeship (typically 4 years) is the gold standard.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Living in Redmond proper is expensive. Most welders commute from more affordable, adjacent neighborhoods. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Avg 1-BR Rent	Commute to Redmond Core	Lifestyle & Vibe
Downtown Redmond	$2,100+	5-10 min (walk/bike)	Walkable, urban, tech-centric. Very expensive.
Woodinville	$1,950	15-20 min (SR-522)	More residential, wine country vibe. Slightly cheaper.
Kirkland (South)	$1,900	15-25 min (I-405)	Lakefront access, good amenities, still pricey.
Bellevue (Crossroads)	$1,750	20-30 min (I-405)	Diverse, more affordable for the area, good food.
Redmond Ridge/North	$1,800	10-20 min (local roads)	Suburban, family-oriented, farther from transit.

Insider Tip: Consider Bothell or Kenmore. These cities are north of Redmond, offering slightly lower rents (closer to $1,650-$1,800). The commute via I-405 or Bothell-Everett Highway is manageable, and you're closer to industrial areas in Everett. For a welder with a truck and tools, a garage is a must, and these areas have more single-family homes with that amenity.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Redmond is not a place for a "welder for life" in a single shop unless you specialize. The path forward is in credentials and niche skills.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Aerospace (TIG): +$5 to $10/hour over base.
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): +$10 to $15/hour; often salaried.
  • Pipe Welding (6G): +$8 to $12/hour.
  • Robotic Welding Programming: +$6 to $10/hour, but requires computer skills.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Path A (Shop Floor): Apprentice -> Journeyman -> Lead Welder -> Shop Foreman. This path often caps around $65,000-$75,000.
  2. Path B (Specialist/Inspector): Journeyman -> Certifications (AWS, ASME) -> CWI -> QA/QC Manager. This path can exceed $85,000.
  3. Path C (Field/Travel): Structural welder for construction or wind energy. Requires travel but can pay $70,000+ with per diem.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 2% growth means stability, not explosion. The real growth will be in inspection, automation programming, and specialized repair for the aging aerospace fleet and high-tech manufacturing. The welder who also understands CAD (like SolidWorks) or can program a robotic cell will be the most valuable in a decade.

The Verdict: Is Redmond Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Access to high-tech aerospace & manufacturing jobs	Extremely high cost of living
Strong job stability in a niche market	Median wage doesn't comfortably support solo living
Beautiful Pacific Northwest setting, access to outdoors	Fierce competition for affordable housing
Proximity to major employers (Blue Origin, Boeing)	Car dependency and traffic (I-405 is notorious)
No state income tax (but high sales/property tax)	Market is slow-growing; opportunities require patience

Final Recommendation:
Redmond is an excellent choice for a specialized welder (3+ years of experience) with aerospace or high-purity certifications, especially if you have a partner with a dual income or are willing to live in a more affordable neighboring city (like Kent or Auburn) and commute. It is not recommended for an entry-level welder expecting to afford a solo life in Redmond on a single median salary. The market rewards skill here, but the cost of living punishes the average. If you're willing to invest in certifications and specialize, Redmond offers a stable, high-quality career path in the heart of the Pacific Northwest's industrial tech corridor.

FAQs

Q: Do I need my own welding rig (truck and equipment) to get hired?
A: No, for most shop positions (like at Mitsubishi or Kirtland Metals), the employer provides all equipment. You only need your own for field service or independent contractor roles, which are less common in the immediate Redmond area.

Q: Is the commute from Seattle to Redmond terrible?
A: Yes, it can be. The I-5 and I-405 corridors are heavily congested. A 15-mile commute can take 45 minutes during peak hours. Many welders live on the Eastside (Bellevue, Kirkland) to avoid the worst of the Seattle bottleneck.

Q: What's the best way to find welding jobs in Redmond?
A: Don't rely on generic sites. Use LinkedIn and filter by "welding" and "Redmond/Bellevue/Kirkland." Check the "Careers" pages of the specific companies listed above. Also, join Washington-based trade groups on Facebook; local shops often post openings there first.

Q: Are there unions for welders in the area?
A: Yes. The International Association of Machinists (IAM) Local 751 represents many Boeing fabrication employees in the region. The Ironworkers Union (Local 86) covers structural welding. Union jobs typically pay above the median but require an apprenticeship and have stricter entry barriers.

Q: How do I handle the high cost of living on a welder's salary?
A: Most successful welders in Redmond adopt a "roommate model" or live in a dual-income household. Alternatively, they live in more affordable cities (Kent, Auburn, Renton) and commute. Budgeting is non-negotiable; the margin for error is small. Prioritize employers with strong benefits packages, as healthcare costs can be a major drain.