Welder Career Guide in Virginia
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Virginia.
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How to Become a Welder in Virginia
Virginia welders commonly train through community colleges, FastForward programs, shipyard apprenticeships, construction-trade apprenticeships, or employer-sponsored programs. Coastal shipbuilding and repair programs may emphasize structural, pipe, marine, and flux-cored arc welding.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Welder Salary in Virginia
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Virginia median wage for welder workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $51,000, the median wage in Virginia is approximately $8,180 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in Virginia
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONWelder Training Requirements in Virginia
Virginia welders may qualify through technical education, a registered apprenticeship, shipyard training, military experience, or supervised employment.
- Develop skills in SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, oxy-fuel cutting, plasma cutting, fabrication, and blueprint reading.
- Complete safety training appropriate to manufacturing, construction, marine, or shipyard environments.
- Pass the welding performance test specified by the employer, shipyard, contractor, or project owner.
- Obtain AWS, ASME Section IX, NAVSEA, or other code qualifications when required.
- Maintain qualification continuity and retest when required by the applicable code or employer.
Welder Training Providers in Virginia
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Virginia Community College – Welding | Manassas | View Program |
| Tidewater Community College – Welding | Portsmouth | View Program |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College – Welding Training | Hampton/Toano | View Program |
| Central Virginia Community College – Welding Technology | Lynchburg | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESWelder Apprenticeship Programs in Virginia
Shipbuilding Welder Apprenticeship
Organization: Newport News Shipbuilding – The Apprentice School
Ironworker and Structural Welding Apprenticeship
Organization: Iron Workers Local 28
Welder Licensing Requirements in Virginia
Virginia does not issue a general statewide occupational license for employee welders. Shipyards, structural-steel contractors, pipe trades, manufacturers, and government contractors commonly require welders to pass employer or code-specific performance tests. A Virginia contractor license may be required when a business contracts directly with the public, but it is not an individual welder credential.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in Virginia
Virginia welding employment is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 9,830 to 10,530 jobs. About 1,050 openings per year are projected from growth and replacement needs.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the welder salary in Virginia?
The statewide median wage for welders in Virginia is approximately $59,180 per year, or $28.45 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Virginia require welder licensing?
Virginia does not use one uniform statewide licensing rule for all welder work. Local requirements may apply, and applicants should verify the rules in the city or county where they plan to work.
How long does it take to become a welder in Virginia?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 6 Months–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are welders in demand in Virginia?
Virginia projects welder employment to grow by approximately 7% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,050 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Virginia Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Virginia Welder Wages
- Virginia Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Virginia Welder Employment Trends
- No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority / Virginia Works Registered Apprenticeship — Licensing authority. No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority / Virginia Works Registered Apprenticeship