Roanoke vs Sterling: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Roanoke, VA and Sterling, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Sterling, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,276▲ | $57,292 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.01▲ | $27.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,820▲ | $44,432 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,572 | $50,077▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,767 | $66,567▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,346 | $80,440▲ |
| Total Employed | 940▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sterling.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Sterling is $984 (1.72%). 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 Roanoke spans $21,526,Sterling spans $36,008. Sterling has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Roanoke ($62,249 effective) pays 12.13% more than Sterling ($55,516 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Sterling if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,440)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Roanoke grew 40.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.0% growth in Sterling over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$40,000 (2019) → $56,040 (2025)
Sterling, VA
$51,490 (2024) → $55,094 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Sterling, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Roanoke or Sterling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Sterling?
Should I relocate from Roanoke to Sterling as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Roanoke vs Sterling?
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