The skilled trades cover a number of different types of jobs – machinists, welders, mechanics, electrical assembly workers, cabinetmakers, material handlers, warehouse and production workers, among others.
Here’s a brief summary that we have put together of the different skilled trade jobs and their current salary ranges. Salary ranges in Washington cover the Seattle, Tacoma, and Vancouver areas. Salary ranges in Oregon cover the Portland and Lake Oswego areas, and ranges in Alaska cover the Anchorage area.
Salary Information For Skilled Trades
1.Machinists
Machinists operate one or more kinds of computer numeric controlled production equipment. They select the appropriate settings and make adjustments as needed. Some employers require a bachelor’s degree for this job and about two to four years of experience.
In Washington, salaries for machinists range from $19 to $26 an hour; in Oregon, $19 to $25 an hour, and in Alaska, $21 to $27 an hour.
In the Seattle area, salaries range from $20 to $26 an hour. In Tacoma, they range from $20 to $25, and in the Vancouver area, from $19 to $25. In Portland, Oregon, salaries range from $19 to $25 an hour, and in Lake Oswego, the range is the same. In Anchorage, Alaska, salaries range from $21 to $27 an hour.
2.Welders
The job of TIG welders is to join together two or more pieces of metal using heat to melt the material. Such welding makes an extremely strong joint, which is important for building structures, car bodies, and other structures. TIG welding joins metal of different compositions as well as thinner pieces of metal.
Welders in the Seattle area earn $21 to $28 an hour, while in the Tacoma area, salaries range from $20 to $27.00 an hour. In the Portland, Oregon area, salaries range from $20 to $27 an hour, and in Anchorage, Alaska, salaries range from $21 to $29 an hour.
3.Millwrights.
Millwrights install and maintain machinery and equipment using such instruments as hoists, lift trucks, hand tools, and power tools.
Millwright salaries in Washington range from $23 to $36 an hour; in Oregon, $23 to $34 an hour; in Alaska, $25 to $37 an hour.
4.Mechanics
These jobs pay $16 to $20 an hour in Washington, $16 to $19 an hour in Oregon, and $17 to $20 an hour in Alaska.
5.Cabinetmakers
In Washington, cabinetmakers can earn $15 to $23 an hour. In Oregon, they can earn $15 to $22 an hour. And in Alaska, they can earn $16 to $24 an hour.
6.Shipping and receiving jobs
These workers assemble orders and prepare goods for shipment. They also record shipment data, including weight, charges, and space availability. Their duties also include receiving and unpacking materials and supplies.
The pay scale for these workers in Washington ranges from $16 to $21 an hour. The pay scale in Oregon ranges from $16 to $20, and in Alaska, it ranges from $17 to $22.
7.Forklift operators
Forklift operators in Washington can make anywhere from $16 to $22 an hour. In Oregon, these workers earn anywhere from $16 to $20 an hour, and in Alaska, $17 to $22 an hour.
8.Warehouse workers
In Washington, these workers can earn from $16 to $22 an hour. In Oregon, they can earn between $14 and $20 an hour, and in Alaska, they can earn between $17 and $22 an hour.
9.Production workers
Production workers in Washington can earn anywhere from $12 to $25 an hour, and in Oregon, they can earn between $12 and $24 an hour. In Alaska, production workers can earn between $13 and $25 an hour.
Check out Your 2022 Salary Guide For Skilled Trades
If you are looking for employment, contact Opti Staffing. We are one of the best skilled trades staffing agencies in the region. We have a temp agency in Tacoma, a temp agency in Vancouver, Washington, a staffing agency in Portland, a staffing agency in Salem, Oregon, and a temp agency in Seattle. Give us a call today.
