Welder Hourly Pay in Bristol, VA: $28.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Bristol, VA runs $28.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,244 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,547 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Virginia, the welder hourly pay stands at a median of $28.48, outpacing the national hourly median of $26.87 by 5.99%. This favorable rate is advantageous for both full-time and part-time welders, particularly those working in wood or metal fabrication shops and manufacturing plants. For part-timers, such as those opting for a three-day workweek, the flexibility can lead to substantial earnings while maintaining a balanced schedule. Entry-level welders can expect wages starting at $22.14, scaling up to the upper echelons where experienced welders make up to $38.80 per hour. Such a range allows for diverse opportunities in various settings, including pipeline welding stations and shipyards, making Bristol an attractive location for both novice and seasoned professionals in the welding field.
About the Bristol 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) | $22.14 | $177.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.36 | $202.91 |
| Median (P50) | $28.48 | $227.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.69 | $261.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.80 | $310.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $28.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.48/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, VA can expect to earn approximately $59,244 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,179. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,139.31 | $4,937 | $59,244 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $683.59 | $2,962 | $35,547 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $455.73 | $1,975 | $23,698 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Bristol) | $28.48 |
| 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 Bristol, VA earn a median of $59,244 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.99% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 0.80% below the Virginia state average of $59,722.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.48/hr = $35,547/year (purchasing power: $34,444).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,244/year (purchasing power: $57,407).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Bristol grew 26.5% from $21.65/hr (2019) to $27.39/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.62/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
Welders who prefer part-time engagement at 24 hours a week could still bring home a significant annual income, much lower than that of their full-time peers but not negligible. The earnings model can shift dramatically for welders on a per-diem basis; traveling welders in Bristol may earn per diem rates ranging from $80 to $175 daily, in addition to hourly rates of $40 to $70. During peak shutdown periods in refineries, welders can command rates from $50 to $80 an hour, with the potential for double-time payments on weekends. This variability often reflects individual employer types—pipeline welders, shipyards, and even self-employed mobile setups. Some welders might opt for lower hourly rates that provide healthcare benefits, while others might take the higher compensation without benefits to maximize their take-home pay. Understanding the nuances of negotiating in the Bristol area can lead to better financial outcomes for those pursuing careers in welding, with competitive rates available across sectors in 2026.
More salary data for Bristol, 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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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