Welder Hourly Pay in Alexandria, VA: $30.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Alexandria, VA runs $30.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,558 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Alexandria's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,532 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For welders in Alexandria, Virginia, the projected 2026 median hourly pay stands at $30.07, representing a significant advantage over the national median of $26.87. This competitive hourly rate makes positions in fabrication shops, pipeline welding sites, and shipyards particularly attractive for part-time and per-diem welders. Those working three days a week could earn around $30,000 annually, showcasing how hourly earnings translate into a feasible income for flexible job arrangements. Alexandria welders find compensation that ranges from $22.39 for entry-level positions to as much as $44.48 for highly experienced professionals, illustrating the diverse earning potential across the profession. With rising demand and a growing emphasis on specific skill sets like the 6G pipe certification, the local market rewards those who invest in their qualifications and certifications.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.39 | $179.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.37 | $210.97 |
| Median (P50) | $30.07 | $240.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.95 | $287.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.48 | $355.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alexandria
Based on $30.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.07/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alexandria, VA can expect to earn approximately $62,554 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,089. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alexandria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alexandria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,202.96 | $5,213 | $62,554 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $721.77 | $3,128 | $37,532 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.18 | $2,085 | $25,021 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Alexandria) | $30.07 |
| Machinist (National Avg) | $25.72 |
| Sheet Metal Worker (National Avg) | $28.93 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Boilermaker (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Welders in Alexandria, VA earn a median of $62,558 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.92% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 4.80% above the Virginia state average of $59,693.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.07/hr = $37,532/year (purchasing power: $36,368).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,554/year (purchasing power: $60,614).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Alexandria grew 26.5% from $22.86/hr (2019) to $28.92/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.27/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem welders can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Welder in Alexandria
When considering the implications of hourly pay for welders, part-time workers have unique financial trajectories compared to their full-time counterparts. A welder operating on a three-day week schedule can bring home a respectable annual sum, but those leveraging per-diem opportunities often see their earnings significantly boosted. Agencies typically offer traveling welders additional per diem pay, ranging from $80 to $175 daily, on top of their base hourly rate, which can elevate earnings dramatically. For instance, those engaged in refinery turnarounds may command $50 to $80 per hour, with double-time rates available for weekend work. Different employer types in Alexandria further influence pay rates, with shipyards, nuclear power plants, and self-employed mobile rig welders commanding varying hourly wages. Many welders face a choice between a higher hourly rate without benefits and lower pay that includes health insurance, making negotiation skills crucial in this competitive market.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for welders in Alexandria. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alexandria is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov