Oak Harbor vs Seattle: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Oak Harbor, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oak Harbor, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,820 | $68,883▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.27 | $33.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,932 | $52,276▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,085 | $60,522▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,292 | $78,211▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,156 | $93,206▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 3,230▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Harbor.
The salary gap between Oak Harbor and Seattle is $10,063 (17.11%). Seattle's median is +23.24% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oak Harbor spans $34,224,Seattle spans $40,930. Seattle has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($61,982 effective) pays 13.17% more than Oak Harbor ($54,767 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oak Harbor if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,883/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,206)
- ✓Larger job market (3,230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,982)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Oak Harbor grew -10.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.0% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Oak Harbor, WA
$62,921 (2024) → $56,563 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$55,680 (2019) → $66,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oak Harbor, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Oak Harbor or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oak Harbor and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Oak Harbor to Seattle as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Oak Harbor vs Seattle?
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Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov