Welder Hourly Pay in Herndon, VA: $26.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Herndon, VA runs $26.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,933 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Herndon's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,561 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the welder hourly pay in Herndon, Virginia is projected to reach $26.89, slightly above the national median of $26.87. This competitive pay illustrates the potential earnings for welders in a variety of work settings, including fabrications shops and pipeline welding stations. Welders who choose part-time or per-diem work, such as those on three-day work weeks, can expect to earn a solid hourly wage while enjoying flexible schedules. The hourly range for welders in Herndon varies significantly, starting at $21.86 for entry-level positions and extending to $35.36 for top earners, reflecting the experience and expertise that individual welders bring to the table. These estimates are derived from the annual salary data, highlighting the financial opportunities available in this profession.
About the Herndon 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) | $21.86 | $174.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.73 | $197.83 |
| Median (P50) | $26.89 | $215.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.99 | $239.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.36 | $282.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Herndon
Based on $26.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.89/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Herndon, VA can expect to earn approximately $55,935 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,270. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Herndon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Herndon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,075.67 | $4,661 | $55,935 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $645.40 | $2,797 | $33,561 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $430.27 | $1,864 | $22,374 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Herndon) | $26.89 |
| 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 Herndon, VA earn a median of $55,933 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.07% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 6.30% below the Virginia state average of $59,694.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.89/hr = $33,561/year (purchasing power: $32,520).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,935/year (purchasing power: $54,201).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Herndon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Herndon grew 26.5% from $20.44/hr (2019) to $25.86/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.96/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 Herndon 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 Herndon
Considering the part-time potential, a welder working three days a week for a total of 24 hours would earn around $33,753 annually, substantially less than a full-time welder but still a viable option for those seeking balance. For those opting for per diem work, traveling pipe welders often command impressive daily rates between $80 and $175 atop their hourly wages, while specialized welders in refinery shutdowns can earn between $50 and $80 per hour, with the possibility of double-time on weekends. Employer types such as structural steel fabrication and nuclear power maintenance can influence hourly earnings, as benefits and health coverage often come into play. Some welders may accept lower hourly rates for positions that offer comprehensive benefits, while others may leverage higher pay opportunities with no benefits, creating a tactical choice. Negotiating pay in Herndon can involve showcasing certifications like AWS and 6G pipe qualifications, emphasizing experience and market demand to secure better hourly rates.
More salary data for Herndon, 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 Herndon. 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 Herndon 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