The ranges in this guide are starting points, not guarantees. They reflect approximate national figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and may not match what you’ll find in Washington State, where many trades wages run higher — especially in union shops.

Ranges reflect the middle of the field, not the extremes. Most people start closer to the low end and move up with experience, certifications, and tenure. The high end reflects workers who are well-established, often in high-cost metro areas, or who hold supervisory roles within that classification.

Owner and entrepreneurial roles are different. Wages listed for General Contractors, Specialty Contractors, and self-employed trades workers reflect what an individual might draw as income — not business revenue. What you actually take home depends on your overhead, how much work you land, and how you structure your business. These roles carry real financial risk alongside real financial upside.

Licensed and degree-required roles have longer runways. If a role requires a four-year degree or a professional license, expect 4–10 years before you’re earning toward the top of that range.

Apprenticeship wages grow on a schedule. Apprentices typically start at 40–60% of journeyworker scale and step up every six months. The range shown reflects journeyworker scale, not apprentice starting wages.

For current Washington State wage data, visit the Employment Security Department’s labor market tools at esd.wa.gov, or ask your local union hall or JATC about current scale.