Average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary in Richmond, VA
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Richmond, VA, command an average annual salary of $59,500, notably exceeding the national average of $54,940. This higher compensation in Richmond can be attributed to a combination of local industry demands and the specific economic conditions that shape the labor market for skilled trades within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,500 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $90,570.
- Outlook: Richmond, VA, hosts a workforce of 1,240 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. With a Location Quotient of 0.69, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market. The presence of nearly 1.9 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these essential skilled positions within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Richmond, VA earns+8.3%above the national average.
$28.6
$1,144
$4,958
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for skilled trades like welding have experienced steady growth nationwide. This trend is typically driven by increasing material costs, evolving industry standards, and a persistent demand for qualified professionals, suggesting that Richmond's welder salaries have likely seen a positive trajectory over recent years.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in Richmond, VA
The career path for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Richmond, VA, offers significant earning potential as experience accumulates. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career progression and increased financial reward.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $40,000 | $19.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $44,625 | $21.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $56,670 | $27.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $74,375 | $35.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $90,570 | $43.5 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,500
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,500
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $59,500 in Richmond, 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 income in Richmond is equivalent to the national standard, making it a financially neutral location in terms of cost of living versus nominal salary.
Job Market Context
1,240
Total Jobs
1.898
Per 1K Jobs
0.69
Location Quotient
Richmond, VA has 0.69x the national average concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.69, Richmond, VA, has a slightly lower concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a competitive environment for skilled professionals seeking employment. It indicates a healthy balance between job availability and the workforce size.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Comparing salaries near Richmond, VA
Hiring Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in Richmond, VA?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Richmond, VA is $59,500. This typically ranges from $40,000 for entry-level positions to $90,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Richmond, VA is 8.3% higher than the national median of $54,940.
Is Richmond, VA a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
Yes, with caveats.Richmond, VA offers an average salary of $59,500, which is above the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average. This creates a favorable financial situation for skilled welders.
Is Richmond, VA a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in Richmond, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Richmond, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($51,020) and Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
How does Richmond's welder salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Richmond, VA, is $59,500, which is higher than the national average of $54,940.
What is the cost of living in Richmond, VA for Welders?
The Cost of Living Index in Richmond, VA, is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the purchasing power of a welder's salary is equivalent to the national standard.
How many Welders are employed in Richmond, VA?
There are approximately 1,240 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers employed in the Richmond, VA area.
Is the job market for Welders in Richmond, VA competitive?
With a Location Quotient of 0.69, the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a stable demand and potentially less intense competition for skilled welders compared to highly saturated areas.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,240 employees in the Richmond, VA area with a job density of 1.898 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 Richmond, VA