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Average Pipelayers Salary in Washington

Pipelayers in Washington State command an impressive average annual salary of $80,670, significantly outpacing the national average of $54,540. This substantial difference is largely attributable to Washington's robust infrastructure development projects and a higher demand for skilled trades within the state's dynamic economy.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $80,670 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $100,580.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,360 Pipelayers and a Location Quotient of 1.76, Washington demonstrates a strong concentration of this profession, indicating robust demand and a healthy job market for these essential workers. The concentration significantly above the national average suggests a thriving sector that actively seeks and retains skilled pipelayers.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$80,670

The average Pipelayers in Washington earns+47.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$38.8

Weekly

$1,551

Monthly

$6,723

Pipelayers Salary Distribution in Washington

The salary progression for Pipelayers in Washington typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. The discernible gaps between salary percentiles highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$60,680$29.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$60,503$29.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$80,280$38.6
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$100,838$48.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$100,580$48.4

Detailed Pipelayers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$80,670

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$70,087

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

While the average Pipelayer salary in Washington is $80,670, the Cost of Living Index stands at 115.1, meaning it is 15.1% higher than the national average. This suggests that while the nominal salary is attractive, the higher cost of living in Washington State will impact the purchasing power of that income compared to areas with a lower cost of living.

Job Market Context

1,360

Total Jobs

0.383

Per 1K Jobs

1.76

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Washington has 1.8x the national concentration of Pipelayers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Washington's Location Quotient of 1.76 for Pipelayers signifies a job market that is 76% more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a higher relative demand for Pipelayers within the state, suggesting a competitive environment where skilled professionals are highly valued and sought after by employers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Pipelayers

Comparing salaries near Washington

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Pipelayers make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Pipelayers in Washington is $80,670. This typically ranges from $60,680 for entry-level positions to $100,580 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 47.9% higher than the national median of $54,540.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Pipelayerss?

Yes, Washington is a lucrative state for Pipelayers.Pipelayers in Washington earn an average of $80,670 annually, significantly above the national average. This higher pay is supported by a strong concentration of the profession and ongoing infrastructure needs within the state.

Is Washington a good place to live for Pipelayers?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($84,010) and Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA.

How does the Pipelayer salary in Washington compare to the national average?

Pipelayers in Washington earn an average of $80,670 per year, which is substantially higher than the national average of $54,540.

What is the concentration of Pipelayers in Washington State?

Washington has a Location Quotient of 1.76 for Pipelayers, indicating that the profession is 76% more concentrated in the state compared to the national average, suggesting higher demand.

How does the cost of living affect the Pipelayer salary in Washington?

With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average. While the $80,670 salary is high, the increased cost of living should be factored into the real value of earnings.

What is the total number of Pipelayers in Washington?

There are approximately 1,360 Pipelayers employed in Washington State, reflecting a significant local workforce for this trade.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,360 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.383 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.