Welder Salary in Ashburn, VA: $58,459 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Ashburn, VA earns a median $58,459/year (≈ $28.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Ashburn's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $56,646 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Ashburn, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $58,459, which represents a competitive rate compared to the national median of $55,895. The salary range for local welders spans from $43,953 at the P10 level to $84,589 at the P90, suggesting a diverse job market where skill and experience significantly influence earnings. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for the local cost of living, demonstrate Ashburn's appeal for both local welders and traveling pipe welders. Traveling welders often benefit from a tax-advantaged pay structure and per-diem arrangements, allowing them to secure higher compensation than many local shop positions, making this a key consideration for those analyzing their earning potential in the area.
About the Ashburn Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,953 | $21.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,588 | $24.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,459 | $28.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,948 | $33.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,589 | $40.67 |
Median Salary Position
4.59% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashburn
In Ashburn, VA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,636 (2026 est.). At $58,459, the local median is 4.59% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ashburn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ashburn Welder Pay Compares
Ashburn median: $58,459/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ashburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $59,713 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +4.59% more |
Welders in Ashburn, VA earn a median of $58,459 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.59% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $59,713.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ashburn has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ashburn, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,459 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,646 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,439
2025 BLS Actual
$56,216
2026 Current Est.
$58,459
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Ashburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,439 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,217 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,167 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,721 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,185 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,539 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,216 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,459 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,792 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ashburn metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $44,439 (2019) to $56,216 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,792 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,353 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashburn 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $43,953 – $51,588 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,588 – $58,459 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,459 – $68,948 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,948 – $84,589 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Ashburn
The local job market for welding positions in Ashburn is modest, with only 12 welders currently employed. The area's cost-of-living index stands at 103.2, slightly above the national average, which can affect take-home pay and purchasing power. Employers that pay the most in Ashburn include those involved in high-demand sectors such as aerospace, oil and gas, and specialty fabrication. The variation in pay largely reflects levels of certification, particularly for complex tasks like 6G pipe welding and nuclear welding, which can command premium rates—especially for traveling positions. To maximize earnings in this market, welders should actively seek specialized certifications, consider opportunities for traveling assignments, and analyze the benefits of independent work, such as mobile welding services, which allow for greater flexibility and potentially higher pay. Understanding the nuances of the local market and its demands will be invaluable for welders aspiring to improve their income prospects in Ashburn, VA.
More salary data for Ashburn, 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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $56,216 for weldersin the Ashburn metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ashburn 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