Welder Hourly Pay in Fairfax, VA: $27.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Fairfax, VA runs $27.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,006 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Fairfax's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,210 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the welder hourly pay in Fairfax, Virginia, stands at a median of $27.41, which exceeds the national median of $26.87 by nearly 1.99%. This strong hourly rate can provide substantial financial freedom for those who choose part-time roles, such as working three days per week on shifts. Welders often find employment in high-demand areas including fabrication shops and other industry settings. Depending on experience and specialization, entry-level welders can start at approximately $20.84 per hour, while seasoned professionals with expertise in high-demand areas, such as pipeline welding or nuclear power, can earn an impressive $37.02 per hour. As estimates are derived from annual salary data, the hourly figures reflect the growth of this profession, particularly amid the growing need for skilled welders in various sectors throughout Fairfax.
About the Fairfax 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) | $20.84 | $166.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.16 | $193.26 |
| Median (P50) | $27.41 | $219.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.18 | $249.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.02 | $296.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfax
Based on $27.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.41/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfax, VA can expect to earn approximately $57,016 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,894. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfax.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfax
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,096.47 | $4,751 | $57,016 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $657.88 | $2,851 | $34,210 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $438.59 | $1,901 | $22,807 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Fairfax) | $27.41 |
| 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 Fairfax, VA earn a median of $57,006 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.99% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $59,692.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.41/hr = $34,210/year (purchasing power: $33,149).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,016/year (purchasing power: $55,249).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Fairfax grew 26.5% from $20.84/hr (2019) to $26.36/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.51/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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax
Welders working part-time, for example, a three-day workweek totaling 24 hours, could see annual earnings significantly lower than full-time counterparts. In Fairfax, this could amount to around $35,000 annually, while a full-time welder might bring home more than $57,000. Furthermore, the reality of per diem welder pay in Fairfax often elevates the potential earnings for traveling welders, who might receive daily rates between $80 and $175 on top of their base hourly wages of $40 to $70. The pay structure can vary significantly based on employer types; for instance, those involved in refinery turnarounds can see wages climb to $80 per hour during shutdowns with added incentives for weekend work. However, there’s a trade-off that welders face between hourly pay and benefits, as some choose lower wages for stable health insurance. As competition heats up within Fairfax's robust welding market, practical negotiation strategies are crucial—understanding worth based on certifications, like the 6G pipe certification, can empower welders to secure higher compensation within the region’s evolving job landscape.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Fairfax. 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 Fairfax 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