Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area earn an average annual salary of $53,720. This figure is slightly below the national average of $54,940, suggesting a nuanced local market dynamic. Factors such as regional industry demand and the specific skill sets prevalent in the area likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,720 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,860.
- Outlook: The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area supports a local workforce of 300 individuals in the Welder, Cutter, Solderer, and Brazier profession. With a Location Quotient of 1.48, this indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for skilled tradespeople in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA earns-2.2%below the national average.
$25.8
$1,033
$4,477
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled trades like welding have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and increasing demand for infrastructure and manufacturing. This upward trajectory is likely reflected in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area, albeit potentially at varying rates.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
Salary progression for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential available through skill development and experience.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $39,100 | $18.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $40,290 | $19.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $49,470 | $23.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $67,150 | $32.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $65,860 | $31.7 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,720
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,720
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $53,720 in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a welder's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without significant cost-of-living advantages or disadvantages.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
4.074
Per 1K Jobs
1.48
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.48, Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.48 for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA signifies a notable concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market here is more specialized and potentially more competitive, with a higher demand for these specific skills than in many other regions across the country.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Roanoke, VA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $54,200↑ 1% | 26 mi |
| Beckley, WV Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $52,290↓ 3% | 57 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $58,200↑ 8% | 69 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $50,380↓ 6% | 79 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $52,910↓ 2% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA
Hiring Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is $53,720. This typically ranges from $39,100 for entry-level positions to $65,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 2.2% lower than the national median of $54,940.
Is Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Yes, with a stable cost of living.The average salary of $53,720 is competitive with the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering good financial stability.
Is Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Roanoke, VA ($54,200) and Beckley, WV.
How does the local welder salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is $53,720, which is slightly lower than the national average of $54,940.
What is the concentration of welders in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?
The area has a Location Quotient of 1.48, indicating a higher concentration of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA affect welder salaries?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is on par with the national average, meaning the $53,720 salary has equivalent purchasing power nationally.
What is the total number of welders in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA workforce?
There are approximately 300 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers employed within the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area with a job density of 4.074 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA