Can A Welder Afford Rent in Tacoma, WA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 37% of gross income.
Tacoma 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 Tacoma, which improves the affordability math on a welder salary:
Compare with full rent data for Tacoma
View full rent data for Tacoma, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a welder afford rent in Tacoma, WA?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,773 a month. A typical welder in Washington earns about $57,579 a year, which makes that rent 37% 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 Tacoma?
Using the 30% rule, a welder salary in Washington (~$57,579/yr) supports up to $1,439 a month in rent. Tacoma's current median rent is $1,773/mo, which is $334/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a welder work to cover rent in Tacoma?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a welder in Washington works roughly 64 hours a month to cover Tacoma's median rent of $1,773.
Where is rent cheaper than Tacoma for a welder?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Fife ($1,772/mo), Vancouver ($1,772/mo), Renton ($1,771/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a welder salary.