Welding Schools in Washington

A candidate looking to become a welder in Washington must consider certain requirements to enjoy a smooth and straightforward journey. Understanding these requirements from the start is arguably as important as anything else.

It ensures that candidates can prepare adequately and stay calm during the process. To that end, we have carefully outlined in the sections below all the major requirements to start a welding career in Washington.

These include, among others, the basic educational and training requirements, the licensure and certification requirements, and salary projections across various experience levels.

How to Become a Welder in Washington

Below are the steps needed to launch a successful welding career in Washington.

Meet the Basic Requirements

The basic requirements to become a welder in Washington include having a high school diploma or GED and being versatile in basic topics in mathematics, physics, and metalworking.

These will ensure easy entry into training programs and a good foundation for a successful plumbing career.

Get Educated

The following are the most common options regarding welding education in Washington.

Path A: Academic Training

Several state vocational schools and community colleges offer aspiring welders in Washington top-class education to start their careers.

During this time, candidates learn key topics such as safety procedures and practices, welding principles, heat control, and welding processes, including shielded metal arc welding and gas metal arc welding.

Students may also graduate with certificates or associate degrees, depending on the time spent in school.

Path B: On-the-Job Training

On-the-job training can be considered as an alternative to academic training or as an addition to it. Regardless, candidates in such an arrangement will learn while they work and may be compensated for their efforts.

Popular options for on-the-job training include apprenticeship opportunities offered by trade unions and professional organizations.

Explore Trades with Similar Paths:

• Become an electrician in Washington

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Licensure and certification are both optional for welders in the state of Washington. However, certification offers serious advantages and opportunities, and it is rare to see a welder in the state that needs to be certified in one way or another.

The American Welding Society is the leading authority for certification for welders in Washington and across the country. The organization offers certification in various specialty areas, including SMAW, GTAW, and FCAW, among many others.

To become certified by the AWS, candidates must participate in a written and hands-on exam to showcase their expertise. They must also participate in continuing education courses to maintain their credentials.

Another notable option to consider for certification is the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), which offers certification to welders who work with mechanical components.

Top Welding Schools in Washington

Below are some notable welding schools for candidates in Washington to consider.

Explore Welding Schools in Washington by City:

• Welding Schools in Seattle

Salary & Career Outlook

As a welder in Washington who is just beginning their career, the average salary to look out for at the end of the year lies between $41,558 and $57,917. The former is the figure revealed to be common among those in the bottom 10%, while the latter is more relevant for those who have moved up to the midpoint.

Welders in Washington who have successfully scaled their earnings to be among the top 10% take home an annual average salary that can be as high as $80,715 or more. Those who want to improve their earnings may look at factors such as experience, location, certification, specialization, and employer.

Concerning location alone, Sedro-Wolley has the highest-paying welders in Washington, with an average annual salary of $67,554. This is followed by Yakima and Enumclaw, who have annual average salaries of $62,856 and $60,830 respectively.

Moses Lake and Wenatchee are among the top five, with annual average salaries of $59,701 and $59,646, respectively.