Washington Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Trade Industry Insights / Washington Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Quick Takeaways on Trade Pay in Washington
Washington rewards structure. Union pathways, apprenticeships, and commercial systems work dominate many markets, particularly where infrastructure and dense development overlap. Workers who commit to long-term tracks often see steadier progression than those chasing short projects.
- Higher-paying paths on this page: Lineworker, CDL Truck Driver, AV Technician.
- Highest-paying trade in Washington (from this table): Lineworker ($100,681)
- Typical mid-range trade pay: Median across listed trades is about $66,321 per year.
- Pay range across these trades: About $43,003 separates the highest vs lowest listed trades in Washington.
- Most stable demand in Washington: apprenticeship-fed commercial maintenance and tenant improvement work that repeats year after year.
- Best way to increase earnings: stay on structured apprenticeship ladders and move into commercial systems specialization.
- Top paying trades on this page: Lineworker ($100,681) · CDL Truck Driver ($84,406) · AV Technician ($78,104)
Job Outlook for Skilled Trades in Washington
Demand is shaped most by large-scale commercial and infrastructure work centered around Seattle and the Puget Sound, plus licensing rules, employer mix, and metro growth.
Washington pay structures often reward long-term apprenticeship tracks, especially in commercial and infrastructure-focused trades.
- Outlook: Strong (apprenticeship-backed)
- What drives demand: large-scale commercial and infrastructure work centered around Seattle and the Puget Sound.
- Where it’s hottest: major metros + fast-growing corridors (varies by trade).
- Biggest pay factors: experience, union coverage, licensing, overtime, and employer type.
Average Skilled Trade Pay in Washington
Below is a snapshot of typical pay for popular trades in Washington. Click a trade name to explore training paths, licensing steps, and career details.
Note: Some trades can rank high across many states due to national labor demand and standardized pay structures, but the exact pay levels still vary by state and metro area.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $30.22 | $1,209 | $5,230 | $62,714 |
| AV Technician | $37.55 | $1,502 | $6,509 | $78,104 |
| Carpenter | $29.38 | $1,175 | $5,093 | $61,110 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $40.58 | $1,623 | $7,034 | $84,406 |
| CNC Machinist | $27.78 | $1,111 | $4,815 | $57,782 |
| Construction | $29.50 | $1,180 | $5,113 | $61,360 |
| Concrete Finisher | $32.35 | $1,294 | $5,607 | $67,288 |
| Diesel Technician | $33.52 | $1,341 | $5,810 | $69,722 |
| Electrician | $35.43 | $1,417 | $6,141 | $73,694 |
| Heavy Equipment | $28.86 | $1,123 | $4,860 | $58,318 |
| HVAC Technician | $32.76 | $1,310 | $5,678 | $68,141 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $32.40 | $1,296 | $5,616 | $67,389 |
| Ironworker | $30.87 | $1,235 | $5,351 | $64,217 |
| Lineworker | $48.40 | $1,936 | $8,390 | $100,681 |
| Marine Mechanic | $33.43 | $1,337 | $5,791 | $69,414 |
| Mason | $31.42 | $1,257 | $5,446 | $65,354 |
| Plumber | $37.42 | $1,497 | $6,486 | $77,834 |
| Roofer | $27.73 | $1,109 | $4,807 | $57,678 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $29.39 | $1,175 | $5,094 | $61,131 |
| Welder | $28.21 | $1,128 | $4,890 | $58,677 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
About this table: wage data sources and methodology.
Why Washington Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Washington’s trade economy is driven by large-scale infrastructure, aerospace manufacturing, port operations, utilities, and sustained commercial construction. The state’s combination of maritime commerce, energy production, and technology-sector expansion creates long-term demand for electricians, linemen, welders, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, and industrial maintenance trades.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Puget Sound region (Seattle–Tacoma–Everett): Major commercial construction, port activity, aerospace manufacturing, and utility work drive sustained demand for skilled trades.
- Eastern Washington: Energy infrastructure, manufacturing, agricultural processing, and utility maintenance support electricians, welders, and mechanics.
- Statewide utilities: Transmission, substations, and renewable energy projects support linemen and electrical trades across urban and rural areas.
Major Employers and Contractors in Washington
Tradespeople in Washington frequently work on projects tied to large employers and infrastructure owners, including:
- Boeing — Aerospace manufacturing and maintenance facilities employing electricians, machinists, and industrial trades.
- Sound Transit — Transit expansion projects supporting electrical, rail, and heavy civil trades.
- Puget Sound Energy — Electrical generation, transmission, and utility infrastructure work.
- Port of Seattle / Port of Tacoma — Maritime infrastructure, terminal construction, and maintenance trades.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Washington
Washington is one of the more union-dense trade states in the U.S., particularly on public works, utilities, ports, and large commercial projects. Non-union routes remain common in residential construction, service trades, and smaller commercial contractors.
Union Apprenticeships in Washington
Union apprenticeship programs are deeply integrated into Washington’s infrastructure, aerospace, and utility sectors:
- IBEW Local 46 — Electrical apprenticeships covering Seattle and surrounding metro areas.
- IBEW Local 77 — Linemen and utility-focused electrical training serving western Washington.
- UA Local 32 — Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC apprenticeships in the Seattle region.
- SMART Local 66 — Sheet metal and HVAC fabrication apprenticeships across western Washington.
- IUOE Local 302 — Heavy equipment operator training for transportation, utility, and infrastructure projects.
Ready to start a trade career in Washington?
Compare accredited trade schools and registered apprenticeships across Washington.
Washington Trade Schools & Apprenticeships