Can A Welder Afford Rent in Olympia, WA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 41% of gross income.
Olympia rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Washington state estimate).
About rent and a welder salary
Welder pay tracks the US median household income closely. Pipeline and underwater welders earn materially more. At the national-average welder salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,285 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Washington cities have lower median rent than Olympia, which improves the affordability math on a welder salary:
Compare with full rent data for Olympia
View full rent data for Olympia, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a welder afford rent in Olympia, WA?
Median rent in Olympia is $1,969 a month. A typical welder in Washington earns about $57,579 a year, which makes that rent 41% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a welder afford in Olympia?
Using the 30% rule, a welder salary in Washington (~$57,579/yr) supports up to $1,439 a month in rent. Olympia's current median rent is $1,969/mo, which is $530/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a welder work to cover rent in Olympia?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a welder in Washington works roughly 71.1 hours a month to cover Olympia's median rent of $1,969.
Where is rent cheaper than Olympia for a welder?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Tukwila ($1,968/mo), Kenmore ($1,968/mo), Burlington ($1,968/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a welder salary.