Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in the Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $51,020. This figure is slightly below the national average of $54,940, a difference often influenced by regional economic factors and industry demand specific to nonmetropolitan labor markets. The localized pay reflects the unique economic landscape of this area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,390.
- Outlook: The job market for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Southside Virginia appears stable, with a total local workforce of 240 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.86 suggests a concentration of these roles that is slightly below the national average, indicating a steady but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the region. The presence of 2.356 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports a consistent, albeit moderate, employment environment for these skilled trades.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-7.1%below the national average.
$24.5
$981
$4,252
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this region isn't provided, it's generally assumed that salaries for skilled trades like welding have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is typically driven by increasing material costs, evolving industry standards, and a sustained need for qualified professionals in manufacturing and construction sectors across the nation, including nonmetropolitan areas.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While exact figures vary, experienced professionals often command higher wages due to their specialized skills, certifications, and ability to handle complex projects. The percentile gaps in salary distributions highlight this, with senior welders earning substantially more than their less experienced counterparts, reflecting years of acquired expertise and demonstrated proficiency.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,330 | $18.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $38,265 | $18.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $49,580 | $23.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $63,775 | $30.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $63,390 | $30.5 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $51,020 in Southside Virginia aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a welder's income in this region is comparable to the national average. Consequently, the $51,020 salary offers a standard of living that is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by local living expenses compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
2.356
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area has 0.86x 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 0.86, the job market for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Southside Virginia is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry in the region. The market is therefore moderately competitive, with a stable number of opportunities available for skilled individuals without an oversupply of labor.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $58,660↑ 15% | 25 mi |
| Richmond, VA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $59,500↑ 17% | 41 mi |
| Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $59,850↑ 17% | 56 mi |
| Harrisonburg, VA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $50,890↓ 0% | 60 mi |
| Lynchburg, VA Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $58,200↑ 14% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $51,020. This typically ranges from $38,330 for entry-level positions to $63,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 7.1% lower than the national median of $54,940.
Is Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $51,020 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par. This indicates a standard earning potential rather than a high-paying market for these roles.
Is Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($58,660) and Richmond, VA.
How does the local welder workforce size compare nationally?
The total local workforce of 240 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers is a modest number, and the Location Quotient of 0.86 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
What is the significance of 2.356 jobs per 1,000 workers?
This metric signifies that for every 1,000 workers in the Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area, there are approximately 2.356 positions for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, reflecting the occupational density in the region.
Does experience significantly impact welder salaries in Southside Virginia?
Yes, as in most skilled trades, experience plays a crucial role in salary progression. Senior welders with specialized skills and certifications typically earn considerably more than entry-level workers.
How does the cost of living affect the welder's salary in Southside Virginia?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are average. This means the $51,020 salary provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.356 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 Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area