Welder Salary in Fredericksburg, VA: $58,130 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Fredericksburg, VA earns a median $58,130/year (≈ $27.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Fredericksburg's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $56,328 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welders in Fredericksburg, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $58,130 in 2026, outpacing the national average by 4.00%. Salary ranges for this profession are notably diverse, with the lower tenth percentile earning approximately $41,920 and the upper ninetieth percentile reaching around $83,250. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations, reflecting both the competitive local market and specific industry demands. The job market in Fredericksburg presents unique opportunities, particularly for specialized welders such as those involved in pipeline construction or advanced manufacturing, which can greatly affect income levels.
About the Fredericksburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,920 | $20.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,127 | $25.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,130 | $27.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,536 | $32.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,250 | $40.03 |
Median Salary Position
4.00% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fredericksburg
In Fredericksburg, VA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,330 (2026 est.). At $58,130, the local median is 4% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fredericksburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fredericksburg Welder Pay Compares
Fredericksburg median: $58,130/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fredericksburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $59,682 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +4.00% more |
Welders in Fredericksburg, VA earn a median of $58,130 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.00% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.60% below the Virginia state average of $59,682.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fredericksburg has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fredericksburg, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,130 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,328 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,190
2025 BLS Actual
$55,900
2026 Current Est.
$58,130
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Fredericksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,190 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,958 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,890 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,442 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,898 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,244 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,130 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,450 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fredericksburg metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $44,190 (2019) to $55,900 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,450 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,260 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fredericksburg 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) | $41,920 – $53,127 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,127 – $58,130 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,130 – $68,536 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,536 – $83,250 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Fredericksburg
With only seven welders currently employed in Fredericksburg, competition is manageable, but the cost of living index at 103.2 indicates that expenses are slightly above the national average. This economic reality suggests that take-home pay may be impacted by living costs. Employers in sectors like oil and gas pipeline welding or specialty fabrication are known to offer the highest wages in the area. Factors driving salary variability include certification level, the complexity of the welding performed, and whether welders operate as independent contractors or are employed by larger firms. Travel work can offer significant per-diem allowances, while the rigorous nature of specialized welding, such as underwater or nuclear applications, often comes with premium compensation. For welders aiming to maximize earnings in Fredericksburg, pursuing advanced certifications like 6G pipe and seeking opportunities in high-demand industries will be crucial strategies.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, 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 $55,900 for weldersin the Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg 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