Welder Salary in Norfolk, VA: $66,143 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Norfolk, VA earns a median $66,143/year (≈ $31.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $64,092 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.8% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Traveling pipe welders in Norfolk, Virginia can expect to earn a median annual salary of $66,143 in 2026, which is a substantial 18.33% higher than the national median for welders at $55,895. The salary range for welders in this area is projected from $44,943 at the 10th percentile to $99,692 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential, particularly for those with specialized certifications. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted to reflect local economic conditions and the cost of living in the region. Given the relatively high demand for welding services, coupled with the unique economic factors of Norfolk's local job market, welders can find attractive opportunities either in local shops or through traveling positions that offer per-diem benefits.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,943 | $21.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,103 | $26.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,143 | $31.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,469 | $38.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,692 | $47.93 |
Median Salary Position
18.33% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, VA, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,749 (2026 est.). At $66,143, the local median is 18.33% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Welder Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $66,143/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $59,696 | +10.80% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +18.33% more |
Welders in Norfolk, VA earn a median of $66,143 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.33% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 10.80% above the Virginia state average of $59,696.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,143 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,092 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,280
2025 BLS Actual
$63,605
2026 Current Est.
$66,143
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,280 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,292 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,629 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,256 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,913 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,099 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,605 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,143 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,782 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $50,280 (2019) to $63,605 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,782 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,502 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $44,943 – $55,103 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,103 – $66,143 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,143 – $79,469 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,469 – $99,692 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Norfolk
In Norfolk, the job market for welders remains robust, with 54 welders currently employed in the region. The cost of living index sits at 103.2, indicating that while expenses are above the national average, the higher salaries for welders in Norfolk help offset these costs. Key employers such as structural steel fabrication shops, shipyards, and companies involved in oil and gas pipeline welding tend to offer the most competitive pay. The disparity in wages can often be attributed to various factors, including certification levels, with pipe welders holding a 6G certification generally demanding the highest rates. Opportunities for rig welders, who invest in their own welding trucks, also provide lucrative paths, given their control over job selection and the potential to earn substantial per-diem payments. Earning potential will vary based on specialization and whether welders choose to work locally or travel; those who focus on in-demand niches such as underwater welding or nuclear quality assurance can maximize their pay prospects in Norfolk, VA.
More salary data for Norfolk, 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 $63,605 for weldersin the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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