Norfolk vs Roanoke: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Norfolk, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Norfolk, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,143▲ | $58,276 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.80▲ | $28.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,943▲ | $44,820 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,103▲ | $49,572 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,469▲ | $63,767 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,692▲ | $66,346 |
| Total Employed | 54 | 940▲ |
Verdict
Norfolk, VA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Norfolk and Roanoke is $7,867 (13.50%). Norfolk's median is +18.33% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norfolk spans $54,749,Roanoke spans $21,526. Norfolk 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, Norfolk ($64,092 effective) pays 2.96% more than Roanoke ($62,249 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Norfolk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,143/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,692)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,092)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (940 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Norfolk grew 13.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.1% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Norfolk, VA
$56,099 (2024) → $63,605 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$40,000 (2019) → $56,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norfolk, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Norfolk or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Norfolk and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Norfolk to Roanoke as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Norfolk vs Roanoke?
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