Virginia Beach vs Charlottesville: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Charlottesville, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Virginia Beach, VA | Charlottesville, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,171▲ | $59,711 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.33▲ | $28.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,366▲ | $43,093 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,943▲ | $47,877 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,926▲ | $68,893 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,299 | $81,861▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,740▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charlottesville.
The salary gap between Virginia Beach and Charlottesville is $5,460 (9.14%). 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,Charlottesville spans $38,768. Charlottesville 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, Virginia Beach ($66,541 effective) pays 10.49% more than Charlottesville ($60,225 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)
- ✓Larger job market (3,740 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,541)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,861)
- ✓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 15.2% growth in Charlottesville over the same period.
Virginia Beach, VA
$51,820 (2019) → $62,670 (2025)
Charlottesville, VA
$49,850 (2019) → $57,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Charlottesville, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Virginia Beach or Charlottesville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Charlottesville?
Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Charlottesville as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Virginia Beach vs Charlottesville?
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