Trades & Labor Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Welder Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median welder salary in Arlington, VA is $62,053 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$62,053
vs State Avg
+$13,163
vs National
+$15,043
Cost of Living
132%

Welder Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median welder salary of $62,053, which is $13,163 above the Virginia state average of $48,890. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $62,053 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $47,010. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for welders in Arlington spans from $43,824 at the 10th percentile to $93,456 at the 90th percentile — a $49,632 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,240, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $89,760. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Welder Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level welder earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,240
+$10,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,360
+$15,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,760
+$21,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $43,824
25th Percentile $51,216
Median (50th) $62,053
75th Percentile $76,824
90th Percentile $93,456

Welder Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Welder in Arlington

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Welder Jobs in Arlington

Browse open welder positions in Arlington, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Arlington

How much does a Welder make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median welder salary in Arlington, Virginia is $62,053 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $43,824 (10th percentile) to $93,456 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,053, a welder in Arlington earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for welder pay? ▼
Arlington's median welder salary of $62,053 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $48,890. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $62,053 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Arlington? ▼
Most welder positions in Arlington require a high school diploma. Key skills include MIG/TIG Welding, Blueprint Reading, Metal Fabrication, Quality Inspection. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.