Welder salary in District of Columbia
A strong career option in District of Columbia — with programs that take 6 months to 2 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$60,180/ yr
$5,015 / mo · $28.93 / hr
↑ $6,430 above the national median ($53,750)
Pay by experience
Entry
$48,402
Median
$60,180
Experienced
$75,587
Demand
Stable
Program length
6 months to 2 years
Projected growth
+2.2%
Annual openings
45,600
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How District of Columbia compares to the national wage trend
District of Columbia median
$60,180
2025 national
$53,750
2024 national
$51,000
↑ +5.4% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+2.2% projected growth through 2034
45,600 average annual openings nationwide for Welders.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- Welder (entry-level)$48,402
- Welder (mid-career)$60,180
- Welder (experienced)$75,587
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$1,886
- Time to complete6 months to 2 years
- Credential earnedState Certificate
What you get back
- Starting salary$48,402
- Median salary$60,180
- Experienced salary$75,587
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become a Welder in District of Columbia
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Welder program in District of Columbia
Browse certified training programs. Most Welder tracks complete in 6 months to 2 years and average $1,886 in tuition.
Earn your State Certificate
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a State Certificate in District of Columbia.
Get hired in District of Columbia
With roughly 45,600 Welder openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in District of Columbia.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Welder in District of Columbia is $60,180 per year, which is $28.93 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $48,402 while experienced Welders can earn up to $75,587 annually.
Next step
Find Welder Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Welder classes in your area.