Portsmouth vs Roanoke: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Portsmouth, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portsmouth, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,778 | $58,276▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.78 | $28.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,554 | $44,820▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,188▲ | $49,572 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,369▲ | $63,767 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,088▲ | $66,346 |
| Total Employed | 17 | 940▲ |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Portsmouth.
The salary gap between Portsmouth and Roanoke is $498 (0.86%). Roanoke's median is +4.26% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portsmouth spans $39,534,Roanoke spans $21,526. Portsmouth 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, Roanoke ($62,249 effective) pays 11.19% more than Portsmouth ($55,986 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portsmouth if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,088)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,276/year)
- ✓Larger job market (940 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,249)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Portsmouth grew 7.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.1% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Portsmouth, VA
$51,927 (2024) → $55,561 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$40,000 (2019) → $56,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portsmouth, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Portsmouth or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portsmouth and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Portsmouth to Roanoke as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Portsmouth 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