Welder Hourly Pay in Ellensburg, WA: $28.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Ellensburg, WA runs $28.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,381 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Ellensburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,624 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ellensburg, Washington, welders earn a median hourly rate of $28.55, which is notably higher than the national median of $26.87 per hour. This raises the potential earning capacity significantly for those choosing part-time work, such as three-day schedules, or per-diem positions across various welding environments like production lines, pipeline trench sites, and manufacturing facilities. The hourly range for welders in Ellensburg spans from $21.79 for entry-level positions to $38.52 for seasoned professionals. These figures indicate a robust demand for welding skills in the region, resulting in competitive pay that not only reflects individual expertise but also the local cost of living, which stands at 107.4, above the national average.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.79 | $174.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.13 | $201.08 |
| Median (P50) | $28.55 | $228.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.46 | $259.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.52 | $308.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ellensburg
Based on $28.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.55/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ellensburg, WA can expect to earn approximately $59,374 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,254. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ellensburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ellensburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,141.81 | $4,948 | $59,374 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $685.09 | $2,969 | $35,624 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $456.72 | $1,979 | $23,750 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Ellensburg) | $28.55 |
| Machinist (National Avg) | $25.72 |
| Sheet Metal Worker (National Avg) | $28.93 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Boilermaker (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Welders in Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $59,381 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.24% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $62,245.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.55/hr = $35,624/year (purchasing power: $33,170).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,374/year (purchasing power: $55,283).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Ellensburg grew 26.5% from $21.70/hr (2019) to $27.45/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.68/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem welders can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellensburg metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Welder in Ellensburg
Analyzing the earnings further reveals intriguing distinctions based on work patterns and employer types. A part-time welder working just 24 hours per week can still achieve substantial annual income, especially when factoring in opportunities for overtime or specialty work. For those engaged in per-diem roles, the potential is even higher, as traveling pipe welders can earn base pay ranging from $40-$70/hr, bolstered by daily allowances of $80-$175. Aspects such as refinery shutdown jobs can command $50-$80/hr with double pay on weekends. Welding positions can vary greatly—from structural steel fabrication shops to nuclear power facilities—all influencing payment structures. It's also critical to weigh the benefits trade-off; some may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for job security and health insurance. Negotiation skills remain essential for welders in Ellensburg, particularly when discussing rates with unions versus non-union situations, allowing them to optimize their welder hourly pay in WA.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for welders in Ellensburg. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ellensburg is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov