Welder Hourly Pay in Reston, VA: $28.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Reston, VA runs $28.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,392 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Reston's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,040 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Reston, Virginia, the welder hourly pay stands at $28.08, offering a favorable position compared to the national average of $26.87. This rate reflects local demand and cost considerations, making it a competitive option for part-time or per-diem workers in various environments such as fabrication shops, pipeline welding sites, and manufacturing facilities. Welders working three days a week can expect to take home a considerably steady income, especially when factoring in a range that spans from $21.17 for entry-level positions to as high as $40.48 for experienced welders. Such pay rates indicate strong opportunities across different settings, catering to both commencing welders and those looking to maximize their day rates in specialized roles like underwater welding or rig-based operations.
About the Reston 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) | $21.17 | $169.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.74 | $197.91 |
| Median (P50) | $28.08 | $224.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.12 | $264.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.48 | $323.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Reston
Based on $28.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.08/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Reston, VA can expect to earn approximately $58,401 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,693. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Reston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Reston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,123.09 | $4,867 | $58,401 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $673.86 | $2,920 | $35,040 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $449.24 | $1,947 | $23,360 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Reston) | $28.08 |
| 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 Reston, VA earn a median of $58,392 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.47% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.20% below the Virginia state average of $59,706.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.08/hr = $35,040/year (purchasing power: $33,954).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,401/year (purchasing power: $56,590).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Reston (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 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Reston grew 26.5% from $21.34/hr (2019) to $27.00/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.20/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 Reston 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 Reston
Exploring the earnings potential for part-time welders reveals significant differences in income based on work schedule. A welder putting in around 24 hours a week can generate a meaningful annual income, though it will fall short of full-time earnings. The per diem welder pay in Reston, particularly for those on traveling assignments, may range from $80 to $175 daily, stacking nicely on top of hourly wages between $40 and $70, and even more for refinery projects or specialized work. Certain employers offer attractive compensation packages that include health insurance, which may lure some welders to accept lower hourly wages. In contrast, self-employed rig welders may leverage their ownership status to bill significantly higher rates, from $90 to $160 per hour. Negotiating effectively in this diverse landscape requires welders to articulate their skills and certifications, such as AWS and 6G pipe qualifications, to secure the best hourly rate for their expertise.
More salary data for Reston, 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 Reston. 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 Reston 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