Virginia Beach vs Blacksburg: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Blacksburg, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Virginia Beach, VA | Blacksburg, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,171▲ | $59,950 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.33▲ | $28.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,366▲ | $42,126 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,943▲ | $48,667 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,926▲ | $65,327 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,299▲ | $65,327 |
| Total Employed | 3,740▲ | 250 |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Blacksburg.
The salary gap between Virginia Beach and Blacksburg is $5,221 (8.71%). Virginia Beach's median is +16.60% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Virginia Beach spans $32,933,Blacksburg spans $23,201. Virginia Beach 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 2.90% more than Blacksburg ($64,664 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,171/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,299)
- ✓Larger job market (3,740 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,541)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Blacksburg if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Virginia Beach grew 20.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.0% growth in Blacksburg over the same period.
Virginia Beach, VA
$51,820 (2019) → $62,670 (2025)
Blacksburg, VA
$44,350 (2019) → $57,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Blacksburg, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Virginia Beach or Blacksburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Blacksburg?
Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Blacksburg as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Virginia Beach vs Blacksburg?
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