Welder Salary in Fairfax, VA: $57,006 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Fairfax, VA earns a median $57,006/year (≈ $27.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Fairfax's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $55,238 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Fairfax, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $57,006, which is slightly above the national median of $55,895. The salary range within this profession varies significantly, with the lowest 10 percent making around $43,338 and the highest 90 percent reaching up to $76,997. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional price variations, reflect the economic climate and job market in Fairfax. As the demand for skilled welders continues to grow—bolstered by local industries—the opportunities for competitive pay are apparent, signaling a positive trend for those looking to enter this field.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,338 | $20.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,244 | $24.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,006 | $27.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,852 | $31.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,997 | $37.02 |
Median Salary Position
1.99% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfax
In Fairfax, VA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,659 (2026 est.). At $57,006, the local median is 1.99% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfax: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfax Welder Pay Compares
Fairfax median: $57,006/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfax Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $59,692 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +1.99% more |
Welders in Fairfax, VA earn a median of $57,006 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.99% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $59,692.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfax has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfax, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $57,006 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,238 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,335
2025 BLS Actual
$54,819
2026 Current Est.
$57,006
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,335 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,069 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,945 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,485 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,913 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,233 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,819 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,006 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,281 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfax metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $43,335 (2019) to $54,819 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,281 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,946 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfax 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) | $43,338 – $50,244 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,244 – $57,006 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,006 – $64,852 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,852 – $76,997 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Fairfax
In terms of job market dynamics, there are currently four welders employed in Fairfax, illustrating a tight-knit but potentially lucrative sector. The cost of living index stands at 103.2, indicating a higher-than-average living expense that can impact take-home pay. Among the various sectors, those engaged in structural steel fabrication, oil and gas pipeline projects, and aerospace often find the highest compensation. The salary disparity within this profession is influenced by multiple factors including certification levels—where advanced qualifications like the 6G pipe certification can command premium rates—specialty work, and the choice between local versus traveling gigs, with the latter often offering considerable per-diem rates. For welders aiming to maximize their earnings in Fairfax, investing in certifications, specializing in high-demand areas like nuclear or underwater welding, and considering ownership of a welding rig can provide substantial financial benefits, particularly in a market poised for growth with a projected annual growth rate of 3.99%.
More salary data for Fairfax, 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 $54,819 for weldersin the Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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