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Welder Salary in Richmond, VA

How much does a welder make in Richmond? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Richmond's cost of living.

Median Salary
$56,670
per year in Richmond
Entry Level
$29,880
Starting salary
Senior Level
$78,307
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
109
9% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how welder salaries break down across different pay periods in Richmond.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$29,880$56,670$78,307
Monthly$2,490$4,723$6,526
Biweekly$1,149$2,180$3,012
Weekly$575$1,090$1,506
Hourly$14$27$38

Richmond vs National Average

How Richmond's welder salaries compare to national figures.

Richmond Salary
$56,670
COL Index: 109
National Average
$64,660
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$7,990
Lower in Richmond

Cost of Living in Richmond

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,550
per month
Median Income
$57,234
per year
Population
226,610
residents
Rent % of Income
32.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 109 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Richmond have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Welder

Overview

Join metal parts using welding techniques and equipment.

Education

High school diploma; welding certification required

Key Skills

Welding TechniquesMetal WorkSafetyBlueprint Reading

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +11% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Welder Salary

See Welder salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$60,840
+7%
Los Angeles, CA
$58,200
+3%
Chicago, IL
$50,700
-11%
Houston, TX
$53,810
-5%
Phoenix, AZ
$54,650
-4%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a welder salary in Richmond.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Welder Salary in Richmond, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a welder in Richmond, VA is $56,670 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 109. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Richmond's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level welder professionals in Richmond can expect to earn around $29,880 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level welders earning approximately $78,307 per year. This represents a 162% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Richmond's cost of living index of 109 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Richmond are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $64,660, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a welder's salary in Richmond typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,550 per month, housing represents about 32.8% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Welders are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 11% over the next decade. In Richmond, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.