Welder.
Virginia Beach.
$49,000
median salary, 6% below the national average
$38,000 to $64,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Here is what Welders actually make in Virginia Beach: $38,000 at the 25th percentile, $49,000 at the median, and $64,000 at the 75th. That is 6% below the national average. Virginia Beach anchors the Hampton Roads region with a strong military presence, growing cybersecurity sector, and expanding tech corridor. The number on your offer letter will depend on what you bring and how you ask.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $44,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$32,000
to $39,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$42,000
to $51,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$54,000
to $64,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$61,000
to $76,000
Salary trend
+7% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $14,000 to the total package.
Base
$49,000
Equity
$8,000
Bonus
$5,000
Signing
$1,000
Estimated total: $63,000
How Virginia Beach compares
Virginia Beach, VA
$49,000
Cost of living: 2% below average
National Average
$52,000
Virginia Beach is $3,000 below
Welder salary by city
Salary by role in Virginia Beach
What you should know
If you are interviewing for Welder roles in Virginia Beach, here is what you are walking into. Virginia Beach anchors the Hampton Roads region with a strong military presence, growing cybersecurity sector, and expanding tech corridor. Naval Station Norfolk drives significant defense contractor employment. The lower cost of living compared to Northern Virginia attracts remote workers and military-to-civilian transitions. Certification type drives the largest pay differences. TIG and pipe welders earn 20 to 35% more than MIG welders doing structural or production work. Welders certified for exotic alloys like titanium, Inconel, or stainless steel in aerospace or nuclear applications earn peak rates. Travel welding and shutdown work offer premium per diem packages.
Welding apprentices start at $30,000 to $36,000, advancing to journeyman welder at $40,000 to $55,000 in three to four years. Certified pipe welders earn $60,000 to $80,000, while welding inspectors (CWI) and supervisors reach $75,000 to $100,000 in industrial settings. In Virginia Beach, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Per diem payments for travel welders add $75 to $150 daily, potentially adding $18,000 to $35,000 annually. Union welders receive pension and health benefits worth $10,000 to $18,000. Tool and safety equipment allowances of $500 to $1,500 are standard. And on the tax side: virginia's flat 5.75% state income tax applies. Virginia Beach has no city income tax. The moderate rate combined with lower housing costs than Northern Virginia creates good take home pay. When someone quotes you $49,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Leverage military transition benefits. Hampton Roads employers value candidates with security clearances and military technical experience. The range for Welders in Virginia Beach runs from $38,000 to $64,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Automotive Technician in Virginia Beach earns $50,000 (2% more)
- The highest-paying role in Virginia Beach is Distinguished Engineer at $336,000
Common questions.
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