welder salary in virginia (2026)
Virginia welders earn a median of $50,760 per year in 2026 — +8% versus the national median of $47,000. The gap reflects virginia's market dynamics: northern va tech corridor, federal contractors, data centers.
But Virginia isn't one market. Wages vary significantly across metros. Here's the full breakdown.
welder salary by city in virginia
Salary varies considerably across Virginia metros, driven by construction activity, industrial sector concentration, and union density.
| city | median salary | vs. VA median | key driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Virginia Beach | $46,060 | -9% | military, tourism, residential |
| 2 Norfolk | $44,650 | -12% | naval station, port, military |
| 3 Chesapeake | $45,120 | -11% | military proximity, residential, commercial |
| 4 Richmond | $47,000 | -7% | state capital, healthcare, commercial |
| 5 Newport News | $43,240 | -15% | shipbuilding, military, aerospace |
| 6 Alexandria | $56,400 | +11% | federal contractors, DC proximity, commercial |
| 7 Hampton | $42,300 | -17% | NASA Langley, military, healthcare |
Virginia market note: Northern Virginia's data center alley is the densest concentration of data centers in the world — electrical demand here is extraordinary.
what moves your salary in virginia
taxes and take-home pay
Virginia has a state income tax up to 5.75%. Northern Virginia wages are the highest in the state due to federal contractor density.
union vs. non-union
Northern Virginia has strong union activity given its proximity to DC. Federal prevailing wage applies to a large share of projects.
licensing
To work legally as a licensed welder in Virginia, you'll need to meet requirements set by the Virginia Dept of Professional and Occupational Regulation. This typically includes documented apprenticeship hours, passing a written trade exam, and ongoing continuing education. Each license level unlocks higher-paying work — especially the jump to journeyman, which allows independent work on permitted jobs.
how virginia compares to other states
| state | median salary | vs. virginia | note |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $66,700 | +31% | 9.3% state income tax |
| New York | $58,400 | +15% | NYC drives wages up; high COL |
| Illinois | $56,200 | +11% | Chicago union rates |
| Texas | $52,800 | +4% | no state income tax |
| Virginia | $50,760 | — | DC metro spillover |
| National median | $47,010 | -7% | BLS OEWS 2024 |
| Florida | $45,200 | -11% | no state income tax, lower COL |
is welder a good career in virginia right now?
Northern Virginia's data center alley is the densest concentration of data centers in the world — electrical demand here is extraordinary. BLS projects 3% job growth for welders nationally through 2032, and Virginia tracks at or above that rate given its market conditions.
Hardhat's AI survival score for welders is 68/100 — the physical, site-specific, judgment-intensive nature of this work makes it genuinely difficult to automate. The job is not going anywhere.
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How much does a Welder make in Virginia?
Welders in Virginia earn a median of $50,760 per year in 2026, ranging from around $37,562 for apprentices to $78,678 or more for licensed journeymen and contractors.
What city in Virginia pays welders the most?
Virginia Beach pays the highest welder salaries in Virginia — around $46,060 median — driven by military, tourism, residential.
Do you need a license to be a welder in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia requires licensure through the Virginia Dept of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Requirements include documented experience, passing a written trade exam, and in many cases continuing education hours.
Is there demand for welders in Virginia?
Virginia's welder market is driven by northern va tech corridor, federal contractors, data centers. BLS projects 3% national job growth through 2032, and Virginia consistently matches or exceeds that pace.
How long does it take to become a welder in Virginia?
Typically 1–3 years — trade school plus the apprenticeship hours required to sit for the journeyman exam. Licensing is handled by the Virginia Dept of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
welder salary in other states
other trades in virginia