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Job Description

Overview

The welding and fabrication shop estimator is a full-time, on-site role located in Lacey, WA, responsible for preparing accurate material takeoffs, labor estimates, and project quotes by reviewing drawings and specifications. This role involves collaborating with shop personnel, communicating with customers, and maintaining records of quotes and job costs.

Responsibilities

  • Review drawings, specifications, and customer requirements to prepare accurate material takeoffs and labor estimates.
  • Assess fabrication and welding needs and collaborate with shop personnel to confirm production methods.
  • Update estimates as project details change.
  • Communicate directly with customers to clarify scope, provide pricing, and discuss options.
  • Maintain records of quotes, job costs, and timelines.
  • Assist with scheduling work and coordinating with suppliers.
  • Support continuous improvement in estimating processes and shop efficiency.

Requirements

  • Strong practical knowledge of Welding and Arc Welding techniques.
  • Hands-on experience with TIG Welding and MIG Welding.
  • Understanding of materials used in metal fabrication, including steel, aluminum, and alloys.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and technical specifications.
  • Basic math and analytical skills for calculating labor hours, material quantities, and project costs.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills to manage multiple quotes and deadlines.
  • Experience in a welding/fabrication shop or construction-related estimating is preferred.
  • Proficiency with standard office software and basic estimating or ERP tools.
  • Commitment to safety standards and quality workmanship.

Additional Information

  • This is a full-time, on-site role located in Lacey, WA.
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How this job compares in Lacey, WA

Pay in context

This employer didn't publish a rate. For reference, welder fabricator jobs across Washington currently run a median of $30/hr in our index, with the middle half of them falling between $27–$35/hr across 19 postings with published pay. That median is a reasonable floor to anchor on when a recruiter asks what you're looking for.

The local market in Lacey, WA

This is the only active welding job we're currently tracking in Lacey, WA, which makes it worth moving on quickly — there is no local competing offer to weigh it against. Across Washington as a whole we're tracking 99 other active welding openings from 61 employers. Browse welding jobs across Washington.

Welding Shop in Seattle, WA currently has 16 other openings live in Washington, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in Washington at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Welding Shop in Seattle, WA (16), Parker Hannifin (4), and Allegion (3). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Washington, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Arlington at $55/hr and Seattle at $33/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

What you'll be running

This posting calls for MIG and TIG work. MIG (GMAW) feeds a continuous wire electrode through a shielding-gas nozzle. It lays down metal fast and is forgiving on clean material, which is why it dominates production and light fabrication work. TIG (GTAW) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode with filler added by hand, giving the operator the most control of any process. It is slow, demanding, and the standard for stainless, aluminum, and anything where the bead has to look as good as it holds.

See all welder fabricator openings if you want to compare this against similar roles.

Similar openings near Lacey, WA

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Welding Estimator / Fabrication Bidding Specialist figures were last recalculated when this page was built.