Welder Hourly Pay in Danville, VA: $28.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Danville, VA runs $28.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,381 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Danville's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,027 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Danville, Virginia, welders can expect a median hourly pay of $28.07, which is notably higher than the national median of $26.87. This advantageous rate opens up various opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers within the profession, allowing for flexibility in work schedules commonly found in fabrication shops or pipeline welding operations. For those working three days a week, the earnings can provide a stable income while maintaining a work-life balance. Hourly rates for welders in the area range from $20.44 at the entry-level to as much as $38.63 for the most experienced and specialized professionals, making it a lucrative trade for those who have honed their skills and obtained necessary certifications, such as AWS or NQA-1.
About the Danville 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) | $20.44 | $163.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.09 | $192.76 |
| Median (P50) | $28.07 | $224.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.23 | $257.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.63 | $309.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Danville
Based on $28.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.07/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Danville, VA can expect to earn approximately $58,379 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,680. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Danville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Danville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,122.68 | $4,865 | $58,379 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $673.61 | $2,919 | $35,027 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $449.07 | $1,946 | $23,352 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Danville) | $28.07 |
| 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 Danville, VA earn a median of $58,381 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.45% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.20% below the Virginia state average of $59,694.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.07/hr = $35,027/year (purchasing power: $33,941).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,379/year (purchasing power: $56,569).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Danville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Danville grew 26.5% from $21.34/hr (2019) to $26.99/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.19/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 Danville 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 Danville
Considering part-time opportunities, a welder working 24 hours a week might earn over $34,800 annually, significantly supplementing their income compared to a full-time salary. Meanwhile, per diem welders can take home a substantial amount, especially when traveling for projects, with rates often ranging from $80 to $175 in daily allowances. In specialized sectors, such as refinery turnarounds or underwater welding, the rate can soar to between $50 and $160 per hour plus potential bonuses for weekend work. In Danville, pay scales can vary dramatically based on the type of employer, from structural steel fabrication to high-demand sectors like aerospace and nuclear maintenance. Wage negotiation can benefit from understanding employer expectations; welders may choose lower hourly pay for positions offering health insurance instead of higher rates with no benefits. Familiarity with local job cultures and knowing the right market rates can empower welders as they seek to maximize their earnings.
More salary data for Danville, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Danville in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Danville?
Are welders in Danville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in Danville?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Danville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Danville. 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 Danville 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