Welding Careers: 2025 Outlook PNW

You know all those bridges, pipelines, and buildings that keep this country running?
Someone’s gotta build ‘em — and keep ‘em together.
That’s where welders come in. Skilled, steady, and always in demand.

What Welders Earn

Nationwide, the average welder makes about $25/hour — that’s around $51K a year.
Job growth through 2034 is about 6%, which means opportunities are steady, especially in the trades.

Oregon

• $24–29/hour ($50K–60K a year)

• Union and industrial shop welders pull top pay — especially if you’ve got certifications like TIG, MIG, or pipe.

Washington

• $26–32/hour ($55K–70K+)

• The west side (Seattle, Tacoma, Everett) pays higher thanks to shipyards, aerospace, and big union work.

Idaho

• $21–27/hour ($44K–56K a year)

• Smaller towns start lower, but pay jumps fast once you get your certs and field experience.

🧰 Training & Apprenticeships

You don’t need a four-year degree to start welding.
Most welders get their start through apprenticeships or trade schools — earning while they learn.

Washington

• Construction Industry Training Council (CITC) and union programs through the Ironworkers and Boilermakers.

• Paid, on-the-job training + classroom learning.

• Info: lni.wa.gov

Oregon

• Apprenticeships through local JATCs (Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees).

• Great pre-apprenticeship options like Oregon Tradeswomen or SWOCC Works.

• Info: oregonapprenticeship.org

Idaho

• The Idaho Apprenticeship Coalition teams up with schools like North Idaho College and Idaho State University.

• Learn hands-on welding skills and safety from the pros.

• Info: labor.idaho.gov or nic.edu

⚙️ Real-World Advice

• Certs = Cash. The more you earn (AWS, ASME, pipe, or structural), the higher your paycheck.

• Be flexible. Welders who travel for big industrial or bridge jobs earn serious money.

• Start humble. Everyone begins somewhere — shop hand, helper, apprentice. The ones who stick with it move up fast.

• Unions help. Better pay, safer jobs, solid benefits.

Bottom Line

Welding isn’t just a job — it’s a career that builds everything around us.
If you can handle heat, precision, and hard work, you’ll never be out of options.

Start training. Get certified. Keep learning.
There’s a solid future waiting — torch in hand.

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👉 Want help finding a welding program near you?
Shoot us a message — we’ll connect you with local training and apprenticeships fast.

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Start learning today, and you’ll build a career that’s always in demand — rain, shine, or snow.

👉 Learn more about career paths in the trades? Email us here! (We promise a quick reply)