Welder Hourly Pay in Norfolk, VA: $31.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Norfolk, VA runs $31.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,143 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,687 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The welder hourly pay in Norfolk, Virginia, reflects a robust local economy with a median rate of $31.80, significantly higher than the national median of $26.87. This hourly rate translates into substantial earnings for welders in various employment settings, including fabrication shops and pipeline welding stations. For those looking to work part-time or take on per-diem roles, this is a lucrative opportunity, as working three days a week can still yield a competitive pay structure. Welders in Norfolk experience a diverse hourly range, from $21.61 for entry-level positions to $47.93 for top earners, making it an attractive market for both new and seasoned professionals aiming to secure well-paying positions in the industry. The estimates for these hourly wages are derived from projected annual salary data, illustrating the potential for both steady employment and opportunities in mobile setups.
About the Norfolk 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) | $21.61 | $172.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.50 | $211.97 |
| Median (P50) | $31.80 | $254.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.21 | $305.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.93 | $383.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $31.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.80/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $66,144 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,160. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,272.01 | $5,512 | $66,144 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $763.20 | $3,307 | $39,687 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $508.80 | $2,205 | $26,458 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Norfolk) | $31.80 |
| 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 Norfolk, VA earn a median of $66,143 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.33% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 10.80% above the Virginia state average of $59,696.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.80/hr = $39,687/year (purchasing power: $38,456).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,144/year (purchasing power: $64,093).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Norfolk grew 26.5% from $24.17/hr (2019) to $30.58/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.07/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
A part-time welder working in Norfolk for three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, could earn a respectable income that rivals many full-time positions. Even without overtime or extensive travel, the income from this schedule positions part-time welders to take home a solid paycheck. Traveling pipe welders can expect additional earnings, with the per diem welder pay in Norfolk ranging from $80 to $175 daily on top of a competitive hourly wage, allowing them to significantly boost their earnings. During critical shutdown periods, refinery turnaround welders can command hourly rates between $50 and $80, often receiving double-time on weekends, which substantially raises their earnings potential. The variety of employer types, such as structural steel fabrication shops and aerospace defense, leads to wage variability, and while some welders may settle for lower rates due to benefits offered, others might prioritize cash earnings over health insurance. Negotiation tactics tailored to the local market can also play a key role in maximizing hourly pay, allowing skilled professionals to navigate their compensation effectively in Norfolk's competitive landscape.
More salary data for Norfolk, 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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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