Welder in Spokane, WA

As someone who’s watched Spokane’s industrial backbone evolve from its railroad roots to a modern hub for aerospace, energy, and fabrication, I can tell you this: welding here isn't just a job—it's a skilled trade deeply woven into the city’s economic fabric. If you're considering relocating or starting your career here, you need more than generic advice. You need the local lay of the land, from commute times on I-90 to which shops offer the best benefits. This guide cuts through the noise with hard data and on-the-ground insights.

The Salary Picture: Where Spokane Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a welder in the Spokane metropolitan area is $49,738/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.91/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $49,590/year, a small but meaningful advantage for a city with a lower cost of living than coastal Washington. The metro area supports approximately 458 welding jobs, and while the 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 2%, stability is key. This isn't a boomtown for welders; it's a steady market where experience and reputation matter more than rapid expansion.

Your earning potential will vary dramatically based on your specialization and experience level. Here's a realistic breakdown for the Spokane market:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Spokane)	Key Employers & Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$38,000 - $45,000	Small fabrication shops, construction support. Expect to start as a helper or fitter.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$49,738 - $58,000	The median range. Most common bracket for production welders in manufacturing.
Senior	8-15 years	$60,000 - $72,000	Lead welder, pressure vessel work, specialized codes (ASME, AWS).
Expert	15+ years	$75,000+	Certified inspector (CWI), pipe welder for energy sector, or shop foreman.

How does this stack up against other Washington cities? It's important to manage expectations. Spokane's $49,738 median is significantly lower than in Seattle-Tacoma, where welders often see medians in the $65,000+ range. However, that Seattle wage comes with a cost of living index nearly 50% higher than Spokane's. The trade-off is clear: less take-home pay in Spokane, but a much larger portion of it remains in your pocket after housing and essentials.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The national median salary often feels abstract. Let's make it concrete for Spokane. Assuming you're a single filer with no dependents and take the standard deduction, here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a welder earning the $49,738 median salary.

• Gross Monthly Pay: ~$4,145
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$820 (approx. 19.8% effective rate)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,325

Now, factor in the average 1BR rent of $1,012/month.

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (Est.)	% of Net Income	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,012	30.4%	Well within the recommended 30% guideline.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$180	5.4%	Higher in winter due to heating costs.
Groceries & Essentials	$400	12.0%
Transportation (Gas, Ins., Maint.)	$300	9.0%	Assumes a 20-30 minute commute.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$150	4.5%	Varies by employer.
Miscellaneous/Discretionary	$500	15.0%	Savings, hobbies, dining out.
Remaining Buffer	$783	23.5%	Strong ability to save or pay down debt.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Spokane is approximately $375,000. With a 10% down payment ($37,500), a 30-year mortgage at ~6.5% would have a monthly payment (including taxes & insurance) of around $2,300. This exceeds the 30% guideline for a single earner at the median wage. However, as a dual-income household or with a few years of experience pushing your salary into the $60,000+ range, homeownership becomes very attainable—a stark contrast to the impossible market in Seattle.

Where the Jobs Are: Spokane's Major Employers

Spokane's welding jobs are anchored in aerospace, energy, and heavy equipment. Here’s a look at the major players, with insider details on their hiring practices.

1. Aerojet Rocketdyne (now part of L3Harris): Located in Spokane Valley, they're a premier employer for high-precision TIG welding on rocket engines and propulsion systems. Hiring Trend: Steady, but competitive. They require rigorous certification and often prefer candidates with aerospace experience. Security clearance can be a plus.
2. Gonzaga University: The campus is in a constant state of expansion and renovation. Their facilities department hires welders for structural work, custom metalwork for new buildings, and ongoing maintenance. Hiring Trend: Seasonal, often tied to the academic calendar and summer construction projects.
3. Premera Blue Cross (Spokane Campus): While an insurance company, their massive data center and campus facilities require in-house welders for structural maintenance, custom fabrication for HVAC, and safety railings. Hiring Trend: Very stable, with excellent benefits. They post jobs infrequently but are worth monitoring.
4. Local Pipeline & Energy Contractors: Companies serving the region's natural gas infrastructure (like Williams Northwest Pipeline or local contractors for Avista) frequently need certified pipe welders for maintenance and expansion. Hiring Trend: Project-based. Boom times follow infrastructure grants or pipeline upgrades.
5. Northwest Fabricators (and similar shops): These are the backbone of local manufacturing. They produce everything from custom tanks to structural components for local construction. Hiring Trend: Consistent. They often hire directly and offer on-the-job training for specific processes like flux-cored arc welding (FCAW).
6. Spokane County Public Works: The county maintains roads, bridges, and heavy equipment. Their shop hires welders for equipment repair and custom fabrication. Hiring Trend: Government-stable, with good pensions and benefits, but hiring cycles can be slow.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs never hit public job boards. They're filled through referrals from trade school instructors or union halls (like Local 1140 for pipefitters/welders). Building a network at local suppliers like Welders Supply Co. in Spokane Valley can give you the inside track.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington state has no statewide journey-level welder license, which is a common misconception. Instead, licensing is tied to the work you do and the jurisdiction you're in.

• Pressure Vessel/Pipe Welding: If you're working on boilers or pressure vessels, you need a Washington State Boiler Operator's License (which has a welding component). The exam is administered by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Cost: ~$150 for the exam, plus training fees.
• Structural Welding: For structural steel (e.g., bridges, buildings), you must comply with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) specifications. This typically requires certification to AWS D1.1 or D1.5 codes. Many employers will pay for this certification.
• General Fabrication: For most shop work, no state license is required, but employers will demand proof of certification (e.g., AWS Certified Welder) specific to their processes (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW).

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Enroll in a Program: Spokane Community College (SCC) offers a highly respected Welding Technology program. A full certificate is 2 quarters (approx. 9 months). Tuition is ~$4,500 for the full program.
2. Get Certified: During the program, you'll prepare for AWS certifications. The exam itself costs $200-$400 per test plate.
3. Apprenticeship (Optional but Recommended): The Spokane Electrical JATC (Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee) offers a pipefitting/welding track. It's a 4-5 year program with paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Starting wage is ~$23/hour, topping out over $40/hour.
4. Total Initial Investment: If you self-fund the community college certificate, expect to invest $5,000-$6,000 for tuition, tools, and certification exams. The apprenticeship route has minimal tuition cost but requires a longer commitment.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s breakdown.

• Spokane Valley: The industrial heartland. You're minutes from Aerojet, numerous fabrication shops, and the I-90 corridor. Rent for a 1BR is closer to $1,100-$1,250. Commute to most jobs is under 15 minutes. Ideal for prioritizing work proximity and a car-centric lifestyle.
• North Spokane (Northtown/Latah Valley): More residential, with older homes and a mix of blue-collar and middle-class families. Close to the Northtown industrial area and some city shops. Rent for a 1BR averages $950-$1,100. Commute to Spokane Valley is 20-25 minutes. Good for a quieter neighborhood feel.
• West Central/Garland District: An up-and-coming area with more character, closer to downtown and the Kendall Yards development. Rent is rising, around $1,000-$1,200 for a 1BR. Commute can be tricky due to downtown traffic; allow 25-30 minutes to Spokane Valley. Best for welders who want urban amenities and don't mind a slightly longer drive.
• South Hill: A popular, family-oriented area with good schools. It's a longer commute to the core industrial zones (25-35 minutes to Spokane Valley). Rent for a 1BR is $1,050-$1,300. Choose this if you have a family and value neighborhood stability over commute time.
• Liberty Lake: A suburban, higher-end community east of Spokane Valley. Very close to Aerojet and the Washington-Idaho border. Rent is high ($1,300+ for a 1BR). Commute to Valley jobs is 10-15 minutes. Ideal for senior welders with higher incomes seeking a quieter, more upscale environment.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Spokane's welding market rewards specialization and leadership. The 2% job growth means you must create your own advancement.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Pipe Welding (6G): The gold standard. Can command a $5-$10/hour premium over general production welders. Essential for energy and water treatment projects.
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): A major career pivot. This ASNT-certified role moves you from production to quality assurance. AWS CWI certification can boost your salary into the $75,000-$90,000 range with experience.
  • Aerospace TIG Welding (GTAW): High-skill, high-precision work. Companies like Aerojet pay a premium for welders who can work with exotic alloys. Salaries here often start at the mid-level and go up quickly.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Foreman/Lead Welder: Move from the booth to managing a small team. Requires leadership skills and deep process knowledge. Likely a $5,000-$10,000 salary bump.
  2. Shop Supervisor/Manager: Involves scheduling, procurement, and quality control. Often requires formal education (an associate's degree in management helps). Salary can exceed $85,000.
  3. Entrepreneurship: Start your own small fabrication shop. Spokane has a supportive small business community. The risk is high, but the ceiling is unlimited for those with a strong client network.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 2% growth is misleading for individuals. While the overall job count grows slowly, the demand for skilled, certified welders will outpace the average. Retiring baby boomers create a "silver tsunami" of openings. The welder who invests in CWI certification or pipe welding will be in far higher demand than the generalist. The key is to never stop learning new codes and processes.

The Verdict: Is Spokane Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living Advantage: Your $49,738 median salary goes significantly further than in Seattle. Homeownership is a realistic goal.	Limited Job Volume: Only 458 welding jobs in the metro. It's a smaller market with less frequent turnover.
Stable, Diversified Employers: Aerospace, energy, and institutional employers provide stability not found in boom-bust towns.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are typically below $80,000 without moving into management or leaving the area.
Outdoor Access: World-class hiking, skiing, and fishing are 30 minutes from your door. A great work-life balance.	Winters are Gray and Long: 6-7 months of cold, overcast weather. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real consideration.
"Insider" Network Potential: It's a big small town. A good reputation spreads quickly, leading to better opportunities.	Limited Nightlife/Culture: Compared to a major metro, options are more subdued.

Final Recommendation: Spokane is an excellent choice for a mid-career welder seeking stability, affordability, and a better work-life balance. It's less ideal for a new apprentice hoping for rapid job hopping or a top-tier expert chasing the absolute highest wages. If you're willing to specialize (pipe, inspection, aerospace) and build a local reputation, you can build a very comfortable, financially secure life here.

FAQs

1. Do I need to bring my own welding helmet and tools?
For most production jobs, the shop provides the major equipment (welders, grinders). You are expected to have your own "hand tools" (hood, gloves, chipping hammer, tape measure, etc.). It's wise to bring your own hood for comfort and familiarity.

2. How competitive is the job market for entry-level welders?
It's moderately competitive. Shops want certified welders, but they'll hire helpers. The best way to stand out is to complete a local program (like SCC's) and get AWS certified before applying. A clean driving record is also crucial, as many jobs require travel between sites.

3. What's the union presence like in Spokane?
The United Association (UA) Local 1140 represents pipefitters and welders in the Spokane region. Membership can provide access to higher-paying, project-based work, especially in the energy sector. Contact the local hall for apprenticeship information.

4. Is the 2% job growth a bad sign?
Not necessarily. It indicates a mature, stable market, not a declining one. In a city with a Cost of Living Index of 101.0 (just 1% above the US average), stability is often more valuable than high growth. Focus on your skills, not the macro trend.

5. What's the one thing every new welder in Spokane should do?
Walk into Welders Supply Co. on Spokane Valley's East Sprague Avenue. Introduce yourself, ask about local code requirements, and pick up a copy of the local job board posting. The staff knows everyone in the trade. That first conversation is your most valuable networking opportunity.