Welder Salary in Bristol, VA: $59,244 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Bristol, VA earns a median $59,244/year (≈ $28.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $57,407 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Bristol, Virginia, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $59,244, reflecting a notable local advantage over the national median of $55,895. The salary range for welders in the area is substantial, with entry-level positions starting at $46,039 (P10) and experienced welders earning up to $80,697 (P90). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the local cost of living, which has a higher index of 103.2 compared to the national average. As Bristol's economy relies significantly on both local fabrication shops and unique contracting opportunities for traveling welders, individuals proficient in specialized techniques can capitalize on lucrative assignments. Understanding this dynamic is essential for welders looking to maximize their potential earnings in the Bristol job market.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,039 | $22.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,756 | $25.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,244 | $28.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,994 | $32.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,697 | $38.80 |
Median Salary Position
5.99% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, VA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,658 (2026 est.). At $59,244, the local median is 5.99% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Welder Pay Compares
Bristol median: $59,244/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $59,722 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +5.99% more |
Welders in Bristol, VA earn a median of $59,244 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.99% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 0.80% below the Virginia state average of $59,722.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,244 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,407 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,036
2025 BLS Actual
$56,971
2026 Current Est.
$59,244
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,036 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,838 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,827 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,389 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,873 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,604 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,971 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,244 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,608 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $45,036 (2019) to $56,971 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,608 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,572 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $46,039 – $52,756 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,756 – $59,244 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,244 – $67,994 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,994 – $80,697 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Bristol
Within the local job market, only six welders are currently employed in Bristol, indicating a competitive landscape with limited opportunities. This scarcity underscores the importance of specialization, such as achieving certifications in advanced welding techniques like 6G pipe and ASME Section IX, which can greatly enhance earning capacity. Employers across industries, ranging from structural steel fabrication to oil and gas pipeline welding, tend to offer competitive rates; however, traveling welders often see pay increases due to per-diem structures that can significantly bolster overall income. The cost of living in Bristol also affects take-home pay, making it crucial for welders to consider opportunities that not only provide higher base salaries but also allow for regional mobility. The fluctuating boom-bust cycles in the pipeline sector further emphasize the need for welders to remain adaptable, as those able to secure positions in high-demand areas, such as nuclear power or aerospace, will find themselves among the top earners in Southeast Virginia.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $56,971 for weldersin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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