Welder Salaries in Virginia — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Virginia pays welders a median wage of $57,350 per year — that's $27.57/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 10,690 welders make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Welder salaries in Virginia are above the national average by approximately $2,742. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Virginia's blend of urban density and corporate presence supports above-average welder pay.
Virginia Welder Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Virginia after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Virginia Welder Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Virginia median of $57,350.
Welder Salary by Experience — Virginia
Welder Salary Trend in Virginia — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataWelder salaries in Virginia have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Virginia's manufacturing and construction.
Welder Salary by City — Virginia
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $63,650 | $30.60 | +11.0% | 3,741 |
| Norfolk | $60,800 | $29.23 | +6.0% | 2,993 |
| Chesapeake | $59,050 | $28.39 | +3.0% | 1,924 |
| Richmond | $55,050 | $26.47 | -4.0% | 962 |
| Arlington | $52,200 | $25.10 | -9.0% | 641 |
| Alexandria | $49,900 | $23.99 | -13.0% | 427 |
Tip: Virginia Beach offers the highest welder salaries in Virginia at $63,650/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Virginia vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Virginia sits in the mid-range for welders.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Welder Job Outlook in Virginia
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for welders in Virginia is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Virginia job market. Virginia's blend of urban density and corporate presence supports above-average welder pay.
How to Earn More as a Welder in Virginia
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a welder in Virginia typically adds $47,000 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the AWS Certification (voluntary) can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Virginia Beach pays welders $63,650/yr — +11.0% above the Virginia average. Simply relocating within Virginia can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Welders who specialise in manufacturing and construction typically command premium rates in Virginia. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. West Virginia pays welders $47,000/yr — -18.0% vs Virginia.
Find Welder Jobs in Virginia
Live ListingsSearch current welder job vacancies in Virginia:
🔍 Welder jobs in Virginia — Indeed→ 🔍 Welder jobs in Virginia — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Welder jobs — Virginia Beach, VA→