Welder in Richmond, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Richmond Stands

Richmond’s welding scene is a classic case of a stable, blue-collar market. It’s not the boomtown of some manufacturing hubs, but with a median salary of $49,292/year (or $23.7/hour), you can build a solid life here if you’re strategic. The national average is $49,590/year, so Richmond pays right at the national median. The real draw is the cost of living, which we’ll get to.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different career stages in the Richmond metro. These are estimates based on local job postings, industry data, and the provided median.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Typical Richmond Employers
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$38,000 - $45,000	$18.25 - $21.63	Temp agencies, smaller fab shops, municipal apprenticeship programs
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$49,292 (Median)	$23.7	Dominion Energy, MeadWestvaco, shipyard contractors, major construction firms
Senior/Lead (8-15 years)	$60,000 - $75,000	$28.85 - $36.05	Supervisory roles, QC inspectors, specialty contractors (nuclear, aerospace)
Expert/Niche (15+ years, certs)	$80,000+	$38.46+	Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), pressure vessel welder, union journeymen

How Richmond Compares to Other VA Cities:

• Northern Virginia (NoVA): Salaries can be 15-20% higher ($55,000-$65,000+), but the cost of living, especially housing, will eat that up entirely. A 1BR in Arlington is often $2,200+.
• Hampton Roads (Norfolk/VA Beach): Heavy shipyard work (Newport News, Norfolk Naval) drives demand. Salaries are comparable to Richmond ($48,000-$52,000 median), but the coastal economy is more specialized and can be tied to federal budgets.
• Roanoke/Lynchburg: Salaries are typically lower ($44,000-$47,000 median). Richmond offers a better balance of opportunity and cost.

Insider Tip: The $49,292 median is your baseline. The key to exceeding it is specialization. A welder with just a basic AWS D1.1 structural certification will hover near the median. A welder with ASME Section IX (for pressure vessels) or API 1104 (for pipelines) can command $55,000-$70,000 in the Richmond area. The local market pays for certifications that make you usable in the power, chemical, and aerospace sectors here.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about numbers. Earning the $49,292 median salary means making about $4,108 per month gross. After federal and state taxes (VA has a flat 5.75% income tax), your take-home pay is roughly $3,400 - $3,500/month (this is a rough estimate; use a paycheck calculator for your exact situation).

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Median-Earning Welder:

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,108
• Net Monthly Income (after taxes): ~$3,450
• Rent (1BR Average): -$1,365
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): -$200
• Groceries & Household: -$400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: -$450 (Richmond is car-dependent; public transit is limited for tradespeople)
• Health Insurance (employer portion): -$150
• Retirement/401k (5%): -$172
• Remaining for Fun, Savings, Debt: ~$713

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, but it’s tight at the median salary. The median home price in the Richmond metro is around $360,000. With a 10% down payment ($36,000), your mortgage (PITI) would be roughly $2,100-$2,300/month. That’s over 60% of your net income, which is not sustainable.

Insider Tip: The path to homeownership here for a single median-earning welder is through:

1. Dual Income: A partner’s income makes it feasible.
2. Time & Promotion: Moving to a Senior/Lead role ($60k+) within a few years.
3. Looking in the Periphery: Neighborhoods like East Highland Park, Carver, or parts of South Richmond have homes in the $250,000-$300,000 range. A mortgage on a $275k home would be ~$1,700/month, which is more manageable.

Where the Jobs Are: Richmond's Major Employers

Richmond’s welding jobs are concentrated in manufacturing, energy, construction, and public works. Here’s where to look:

1. Dominion Energy: A massive employer. They hire welders for power plant maintenance (Chesterfield Power Station, Possum Point), substation construction, and pipeline work. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on experienced welders with ASME certifications. They value safety and reliability above all.
2. MeadWestvaco (WestRock): This massive paper/packaging mill in the East End (Scott’s Addition area) has a constant need for millwrights and welders for equipment repair. Hiring Trend: Maintenance roles are unionized (IBEW) and offer strong benefits. They post openings for welder-fitters regularly.
3. Hilton Richmond Downtown & VCU Health System: These large facilities have in-house maintenance teams. It’s less about fabrication and more about repair welding (HVAC, plumbing, structural). Hiring Trend: Steady municipal-style jobs with great benefits and pension plans. Good for those seeking stability over high intensity.
4. Local Construction & Infrastructure: The River City Roll (new skating rink), VCU facilities, and city/county public works departments hire welders for public projects. Hiring Trend: Often project-based. The Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority (RTA) is a source for infrastructure work.
5. Specialty Fabrication Shops: Companies like Vaughn Manufacturing (custom steel fabrication) and Marlin Steel (custom metal solutions) serve industrial and commercial clients. Hiring Trend: These shops are the backbone of the local trade. They need versatile welders who can read blueprints and handle a variety of materials.
6. Union Contractors (IBEW Local 666, UA Local 10): The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in Richmond handles heavy industrial and utility work. The United Association (plumbers/pipefitters) does pipe welding for commercial and industrial projects. Hiring Trend: Union jobs offer the highest pay and benefits but require apprenticeship. The waitlist can be long, but it’s a career path.
7. Logistics & Distribution Centers: With Amazon, FedEx, and others in the area, there’s a need for welders to maintain and repair material handling equipment. Hiring Trend: More mechanical/welding hybrid roles. Good for experience in a fast-paced environment.

Insider Tip: The best way to find these jobs isn’t Indeed. It’s contacting the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) to get a list of licensed contractors and calling them directly. Also, join the Richmond chapter of the AWS (American Welding Society) and attend meetings. That’s where the real jobs are shared.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia is a “state-licensed” state for welders, meaning you generally don’t need a specific state welding license to work. However, you need to be licensed as a Contractor to bid on jobs, or certified by an American Welding Society (AWS) accredited testing facility for specific work.

• State Requirements: No state-level welder license. For public works, you often need to be certified by a third-party agency like the AWS or be a journeyman through a state-approved apprenticeship (like the Virginia Apprenticeship Council).
• Key Certifications for Richmond Jobs:
  • AWS D1.1 (Structural Steel): The baseline for construction and fabrication. Cost: $500-$800 for testing.
  • ASME Section IX (Pressure Vessels/Piping): Critical for Dominion Energy, chemical plants, and refineries. Cost: $1,000-$2,000.
  • API 1104 (Pipeline): For work on gas/oil pipelines. Dominant in the region. Cost: $1,200-$1,800.
• Timeline: You can get your basic AWS D1.1 certification in 1-2 months of focused study and practice. An ASME certification may take 3-6 months depending on your experience and the testing facility’s schedule. The Apprenticeship is a 4-5 year commitment (on-the-job training + classroom).
• Where to Get Certified: The University of Virginia’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (in Richmond) and Gwinnett Technical College (near Atlanta, a common destination for Richmond welders) offer testing centers. Local shops often sponsor certifications.

Insider Tip: Don’t drop thousands on every cert upfront. Start with AWS D1.1. Get your foot in the door at a shop or with a contractor. Once employed, ask if they have a certification sponsorship program. Many larger employers (like Dominion) will pay for your advanced certs after a year of employment.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Commuting in Richmond is best with a car. Your goal is to live near I-95, I-64, or I-195 for access to industrial zones. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe / Commute	Typical Rent (1BR)	Best For...
Scott’s Addition	Trendy, walkable, young professionals. Close to breweries & nightlife. 10-15 min to downtown.	$1,400 - $1,600	Young, single welders who want nightlife and don’t mind a shorter commute to the East End shops.
The Fan / Museum District	Historic, beautiful, great walkability. Dense street parking. 10-15 min to downtown.	$1,300 - $1,600	Similar to Scott’s Addition but quieter. Good for those who value aesthetics and culture.
Manchester / South Richmond	Up-and-coming, industrial-chic. Close to the James River Park System. 15-20 min to most jobs.	$1,200 - $1,400	Excellent for welders. Close to shipyards, fabs shops, and city infrastructure projects. More affordable.
Northside (Highland Park, Ginter Park)	Established, residential, diverse. More single-family homes. 20-25 min commute.	$1,100 - $1,300	Best for buying a home. More space, better value. Commute is manageable via I-95/I-64.
Southside (Bon Air, Midlothian)	Suburban, family-oriented. Excellent schools. 25-30 min commute to downtown.	$1,400 - $1,700	Established welders with families. Quieter, safer, but more car-dependent.

Insider Tip: For a welder, Manchester is the sweet spot. It’s grittier and more affordable than the Fan, but it’s being revitalized. You can find a 1BR for $1,250, and you’re a 10-minute drive from major employers like MeadWestvaco and most construction sites. Plus, you have access to the river trails for downtime.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth for welders in the Richmond metro is projected at 2%. This is slow, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Growth isn’t about more jobs; it’s about better-paying jobs as the current workforce retires.

Specialty Premiums (Beyond the Median):

• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): Can add $15,000-$25,000 to your salary. Dominion and major contractors need these for quality assurance.
• Underwater Welder (Commercial Diver): Requires additional training but can command $75,000-$100,000+. Local opportunities are limited, but the James River and nearby ports have occasional work.
• Nuclear/Welding: For the Surry/Salem nuclear plants (within driving distance). Requires extensive security clearance and training. Pay is $80,000-$120,000.
• Union Journeymen (IBEW/UA): Total package (wages + benefits) can reach $60-$70/hour ($125,000+ annually) for experienced hands in the right specialization.

Advancement Paths:

1. Welder → Lead Welder → Shop Floor Supervisor: The most common path. Requires leadership skills and process knowledge.
2. Welder → QA/QC Inspector → Welding Engineer Tech: Move from the torch to the clipboard. Requires certifications (CWI) and often an associate’s degree.
3. Welder → Business Owner: Richmond has a thriving small-business scene. A skilled welder with good business sense can start a mobile fabrication or repair service. Start by doing side jobs, then transition.

10-Year Outlook: The slow 2% job growth means competition for the best jobs will be steady. The key to thriving is to be the welder who can pass a Code test on Monday, operate a CNC plasma cutter on Tuesday, and interpret a complex blueprint on Wednesday. The welders who stagnate with basic skills will see their value erode.

The Verdict: Is Richmond Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living: Affordable housing relative to wages. Can live comfortably on the median salary.	Job Growth is Slow: 2% growth means opportunities aren’t exploding; you have to be proactive.
Diverse Employer Base: Not reliant on one industry. Power, paper, construction, and public works provide stability.	Car-Dependent: Public transit (GRTC) is not reliable for getting to industrial zones. You need a reliable vehicle.
Central Location: Easy drive to the mountains (2 hrs) or the beach (2 hrs). Good for weekend getaways.	Summer Heat & Humidity: The shop can get brutal in July/August. A/C in your car is a must.
Good Balance: It’s a big enough city to have variety (food, sports, music) without the chaos or cost of a major metropolis.	Union Density: Union jobs are great but can be hard to break into without connections or through a long apprenticeship.

Final Recommendation:
Richmond is an EXCELLENT choice for welders who are value-conscious and career-focused. If you’re looking to stretch your paycheck beyond what’s possible in NoVA or coastal VA, Richmond offers a realistic path to a balanced life. It’s not a place to get rich quick, but it’s a place to build a stable career, possibly buy a home if you’re strategic, and enjoy a vibrant, mid-sized city.

It’s best for:

• Mid-career welders looking to lower their cost of living without sacrificing city amenities.
• Newcomers willing to start in an entry-level role and work toward certifications.
• Specialists (pipe, structural, coded) who can immediately target the $60,000+ tier.

It’s less ideal for:

• Those seeking rapid career growth without additional training. The 2% growth proves you must specialize.
• People who hate driving. You will be in your car daily.

FAQs

1. What’s the first thing I should do if I move to Richmond?
Get your AWS D1.1 certification if you don’t have it. Then, get a Virginia driver’s license and update your resume with local keywords (“Richmond,” “Virginia”). Join the local AWS chapter on LinkedIn. Apply to as many fabrication shops and union halls as possible. Be prepared to start with a temp agency for immediate work.

2. Is the Virginia apprenticeship worth it?
Absolutely, if you can get in. The Virginia Apprenticeship Council registers programs. The IBEW Local 666 and UA Local 10 have highly competitive apprenticeships. The pay starts low (often $15-$18/hour), but after 4-5 years, you’ll be a journeyman making $30+/hour with full benefits. It’s a long-term investment.

3. How do I find housing that’s close to welding jobs?
Focus on the Manchester, **East End