Welder Salary in Virginia: $62,007 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Virginia's 42 metropolitan areas, the average median welder pay sits at $62,007/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 51-4121. Because Virginia sits at BEA RPP 103.2 (3% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $60,084 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Staunton ($64,470), Norfolk ($63,605), Chesapeake ($62,913).
For 2026, the average median salary for welders in Virginia is projected to be $62,007, which is 10.9% higher than the national median of $55,895. The difference in wages across the state is notable, with Staunton leading at $67,042 and Harrisonburg at the lower end with $53,940, creating a salary gap of $13,102. Factors contributing to this disparity include local demand for skilled labor, industry presence, and cost of living variations. Virginia requires welders to obtain specific licensing based on the types of welding performed, which can influence salary potential. The state is experiencing an annual compounded growth rate of 3.99% for welding jobs, reflecting a steady demand driven by infrastructure projects and manufacturing expansions. Cities with higher wages, such as Norfolk at $66,143 and Chesapeake at $65,423, benefit from their proximity to major industrial hubs and military contracts. The overall job market for welders in Virginia appears strong, supported by both the growing economy and a steady influx of construction projects, ensuring opportunities for new entrants and experienced welders alike. With a total employment figure of 7,970 welders, the outlook remains positive for 2026 and beyond.
Virginia Welder Salary Range
Overall salary range in Virginia: $36,542 (lowest entry-level) to $101,279 (highest top earner)
Virginia vs National Average
Virginia welders earn 10.93% more than the national median (+$6,112/year difference).
Virginia Welder Salary Distribution (2026)
Welder salaries in Virginia range from $45,883 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $80,449 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $62,007. The Virginia median is $6,112 above the US national median of $55,895. The average hourly rate is $29.81/hr. Approximately 7,970 welders are employed across 42 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,950
2025 BLS Actual
$59,628
2026 Current Est.
$62,007
2019–2027 Growth
+31.7%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Virginia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,614 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,025 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,342 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,691 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,988 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,628 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,007 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,481 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Virginia metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 21.8% from $48,950 (2019) to $59,628 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,481 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,531 (31.73%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Virginia 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Virginia
Lowest Paying Cities in Virginia
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Harrisonburg | $53,940 |
| Lynchburg | $54,044 |
| Falls Church | $55,058 |
| Herndon | $55,933 |
| Williamsburg | $56,544 |
Best Value Cities for Welders in Virginia
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Virginia cities offer the most purchasing power for welders.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staunton | $67,042 | 91.128 | $73,569 |
| Virginia Beach | $65,171 | 97.941 | $66,541 |
| Blacksburg | $59,950 | 92.71 | $64,664 |
| Norfolk | $66,143 | 103.2 | $64,092 |
| Chesapeake | $65,423 | 103.2 | $63,394 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $45,883 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $62,007 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $80,449 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Virginia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 42 Cities in Virginia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Staunton | $67,042 |
| 2 | Norfolk | $66,143 |
| 3 | Chesapeake | $65,423 |
| 4 | Virginia Beach | $65,171 |
| 5 | Alexandria | $62,558 |
| 6 | Radford | $60,998 |
| 7 | Newport News | $60,176 |
| 8 | Richmond | $60,013 |
| 9 | Blacksburg | $59,950 |
| 10 | Charlottesville | $59,711 |
| 11 | Hampton | $59,645 |
| 12 | Centreville | $59,367 |
| 13 | Bristol | $59,244 |
| 14 | Burke | $58,964 |
| 15 | Suffolk | $58,710 |
| 16 | Tuckahoe | $58,543 |
| 17 | Ashburn | $58,459 |
| 18 | McLean | $58,455 |
| 19 | Reston | $58,392 |
| 20 | Danville | $58,381 |
| 21 | Roanoke | $58,276 |
| 22 | Fredericksburg | $58,130 |
| 23 | Dale City | $58,119 |
| 24 | Manassas | $58,057 |
| 25 | Salem | $57,894 |
| 26 | Leesburg | $57,811 |
| 27 | Portsmouth | $57,778 |
| 28 | Mechanicsville | $57,685 |
| 29 | Springfield | $57,482 |
| 30 | Woodbridge | $57,404 |
| 31 | Sterling | $57,292 |
| 32 | Lake Ridge | $57,217 |
| 33 | Linton Hall | $57,153 |
| 34 | Fairfax | $57,006 |
| 35 | Winchester | $56,872 |
| 36 | Waynesboro | $56,728 |
| 37 | Annandale | $56,653 |
| 38 | Williamsburg | $56,544 |
| 39 | Herndon | $55,933 |
| 40 | Falls Church | $55,058 |
| 41 | Lynchburg | $54,044 |
| 42 | Harrisonburg | $53,940 |
More Virginia Salary Data
Compare Cities in Virginia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do welders make in Virginia in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for welders in Virginia?
How does Virginia welder pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level welder salary in Virginia?
How many welders are employed in Virginia?
Which Virginia city offers the best value for welders?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 welder compensation across Virginia. State averages are employment-weighted across 42 metro areas — larger metro areas with more welderscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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