Chesapeake vs Virginia Beach: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,423▲ | $65,171 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.46▲ | $31.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,609 | $48,366▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,489▲ | $51,943 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,374▲ | $73,926 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,279▲ | $81,299 |
| Total Employed | 63 | 3,740▲ |
Verdict
Chesapeake, VA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Virginia Beach is $252 (0.39%). Chesapeake's median is +17.05% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $57,670,Virginia Beach spans $32,933. Chesapeake has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($66,541 effective) pays 4.96% more than Chesapeake ($63,394 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,423/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,279)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,740 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,541)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Chesapeake grew 13.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.9% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$55,488 (2024) → $62,913 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$51,820 (2019) → $62,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Chesapeake or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Virginia Beach as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Chesapeake vs Virginia Beach?
Related Comparisons
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov