Welder in Virginia Beach, VA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Welders in Virginia Beach, VA.

---

As a Virginia Beach local who has watched the city’s industrial landscape evolve from the shipyards to the wind farms, I can tell you that welding isn’t just a job here—it’s a backbone skill. The salty air of the Chesapeake Bay, the hum of heavy machinery at the port, and the massive naval presence create a unique demand for skilled tradespeople. If you're a welder looking at the 757, you're not just looking for a paycheck; you're looking at an ecosystem built on metal and water.

This guide cuts through the fluff. We’re looking at hard numbers, real neighborhoods, and the specific employers who keep the lights on in this coastal city. Whether you're fresh out of trade school or a journeyman with years under your hood, here’s the reality of building a career in Virginia Beach.

The Salary Picture: Where Virginia Beach Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. In Virginia Beach, the median salary for a welder is $49,203 per year, which breaks down to roughly $23.66 per hour. Now, context is everything. The national average for welders sits at $49,590 per year. This means Virginia Beach pays slightly below the national average. However, the cost of living here is lower than the national average (index of 97.4 vs. 100), which helps offset that slight dip in raw salary.

The job market is solid, if not explosive. The metro area supports about 907 welding positions. The 10-year job growth projection is 2%. This isn't a booming field like tech, but it is a stable, enduring one. The growth is tied directly to the region's industrial and maritime sectors, which are less susceptible to the wild swings of consumer tech.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in this market:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$38,000 - $45,000
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$45,000 - $55,000
Senior-Level	5-10 years	$55,000 - $68,000
Expert/Supervisor	10+ years / Certifications	$68,000 - $85,000+

When you compare Virginia Beach to other Virginia cities, the picture gets clearer. Northern Virginia (NoVA) commands higher wages (often $60,000+ for mid-level welders) but has a brutal cost of living, with 1BR rents easily exceeding $2,000. Richmond offers slightly lower rents and comparable welder salaries (median ~$48,500). Virginia Beach sits in a "sweet spot": coastal living without the extreme costs of NoVA, and a job market anchored by federal contracts and heavy industry.

Insider Tip: The salary ceiling in Virginia Beach is often reached by welders who work for the federal government (NAVSEA) or who hold specialized maritime certifications. The $49,203 is the median, meaning half the welders make more, and those are typically the ones with specific skills in underwater welding, naval ship repair, or high-pressure pipeline work.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $49,203 sounds manageable, but let's break down the monthly reality. After taxes (federal, state, FICA), a single filer in Virginia can expect to take home approximately $3,300 - $3,400 per month. This is a conservative estimate; your actual take-home depends on deductions for health insurance, retirement, etc.

The average 1-bedroom apartment in Virginia Beach rents for $1,287/month. This is your biggest variable. Let's run a monthly budget for a single welder earning the median wage:

• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$3,350
• Rent (1BR average): -$1,287
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet): -$200
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in Virginia Beach): -$450
• Gas/Transportation: -$180
• Groceries & Essentials: -$400
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): -$200
• Remaining Discretionary Income: ~$633

This budget is tight but manageable. It leaves little room for error, but it doesn't require living paycheck-to-paycheck if you're disciplined.

Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Virginia Beach is around $365,000. With a 10% down payment ($36,500), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would result in a monthly payment of roughly $2,400+ (including taxes and insurance). This is significantly higher than rent and would consume over 70% of your take-home pay on a median welder's salary. Homeownership is challenging on a single median income. It becomes more feasible with: 1) a dual-income household, 2) reaching the senior/expert salary tier ($68,000+), or 3) utilizing VA loan benefits if you have prior military service.

Where the Jobs Are: Major Employers

Virginia Beach's economy is a mix of defense, maritime, and commercial industry. The jobs are concentrated in specific sectors. Here are the key employers you need to know:

1. Huntington Ingalls Industries (Newport News Shipbuilding): While the main shipyard is in Newport News, it's a critical 30-minute commute via the HRBT tunnel. They are the largest employer in the region and are constantly hiring welders for naval and commercial vessel construction. Hiring is steady but competitive. They prefer candidates with AWS D1.1 and D1.6 certifications.
2. General Dynamics Electric Boat: Also in Newport News, this company builds nuclear submarines. The work is high-precision, demanding, and pays well above the median once you're in. They offer extensive apprenticeship programs.
3. Port of Virginia (Port of Virginia): The port's massive container cranes, cargo handling equipment, and support vessels require constant welding maintenance. The Virginia Port Authority and its contractors are major employers for industrial maintenance welders.
4. NAVSEA (Norfolk Naval Shipyard): Located in nearby Portsmouth, this is a federal facility with some of the most secure and skilled welding jobs in the country. It requires clearances, but the benefits and job security are top-tier. They specialize in submarine and surface ship repair.
5. Tecnica (formerly Tidewater Barge): Located in Chesapeake, they build and repair barges, tugs, and custom vessels. This is a strong commercial opportunity for certified welders looking for a slightly different pace than the naval yards.
6. Local HVAC & Industrial Repair Shops: Companies like Coastal Mechanical and Powers & Sons require welders for ductwork fabrication and custom metal fabrication. These jobs offer a more regular 9-to-5 schedule and are less susceptible to government contract fluctuations.
7. Wind Farm Support (Coming Soon): While still in early stages, the offshore wind industry (projects like Dominion Energy's Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind) is creating new opportunities for welders in tower fabrication and substation construction. This is a growing niche to watch.

Hiring Trends: The demand is most consistent in naval ship repair and commercial fabrication. There's a slight slowdown in new construction welding, but maintenance and repair are recession-proof. Companies are actively seeking welders with experience in Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), as well as those who can pass 6G pipe welding tests.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia does not require a state license for welders. State licensing is for trades like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. However, certification is everything. Employers, especially the major ones listed above, require certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS).

Here’s the path and cost to get started:

1. Education/Training: Attend a trade school, community college (like Tidewater Community College), or an apprenticeship program. TCC offers a comprehensive welding program that prepares you for certification tests. Tuition for a certificate program ranges from $5,000 to $10,000.
2. Get Certified: The most common entry-level certification is AWS D1.1 (Structural Steel). The test itself costs $150-$250 through an accredited test facility. Many schools include test fees in their tuition.
3. Specialty Certs: For maritime work, you'll need additional certifications like AWS D3.6 (Underwater Welding—requires dive training) or specific NAVSEA welding procedures. These are often acquired on the job or through employer-sponsored training.

Timeline: A full-time trade school program takes about 9-12 months. An apprenticeship can take 3-5 years but pays you while you learn. You can start working as a helper immediately, but expect 1-2 years of hands-on experience before qualifying for the better-paying certified welder positions.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Living in Virginia Beach means balancing commute time against lifestyle. The city is spread out, and traffic can be a factor, especially around the HRBT tunnels. Here are the best neighborhoods for welders, considering proximity to major employers and affordability.

Neighborhood	Commute to Port/Shipyard	Vibe	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's a Fit
Northampton/Bayside	15-20 mins	Established, suburban, central	$1,300 - $1,500	Close to the main commercial corridor and easy access to HRBT. Good for those working in the port or at Huntington Ingalls.
Kemps River/Princess Anne	20-25 mins	Quiet, family-friendly, newer	$1,200 - $1,400	More affordable, with less traffic. Great for welders working at the Naval Air Station or local HVAC shops.
Pungo/Beach District (South)	30-40 mins	Rural, beachy, relaxed	$1,100 - $1,300	The longest commute to industrial hubs, but the lowest rent and a true coastal lifestyle. Ideal for those working within VB city limits.
Chesapeake (Near Battlefield Blvd)	15-25 mins	Suburban, growing, practical	$1,150 - $1,350	Technically a different city, but a short commute to Virginia Beach. Much more affordable housing and lower taxes. A very popular choice for tradespeople.
Downtown Norfolk	20-30 mins (via HRBT)	Urban, walkable, nightlife	$1,400 - $1,600	A longer commute but offers a city lifestyle. Good for those who want to be near restaurants, bars, and culture, and can afford the higher rent.

Insider Tip: The HRBT (Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel) is the daily grind for anyone commuting from the Peninsula (Hampton/Newport News) or living in Virginia Beach and working in Portsmouth. If you work at NAVSEA or Huntington Ingalls, budget an extra 30-60 minutes each way for tunnel traffic. Living in Northampton or Bayside minimizes this.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 2% 10-year job growth sounds modest, but within that, there's significant room for advancement if you specialize.

• Specialty Premiums: The pay jumps are substantial with specialties:
  • Underwater (Commercial Diving): Can command $60,000 - $90,000+ but requires dive school ($15,000-$25,000) and is physically demanding.
  • Pipe Welding (6G Certification): Pipeline and high-pressure pipe welders are in demand and can earn $70,000+, especially for out-of-town projects.
  • NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) Inspector: After years of welding, you can train to inspect welds via X-ray, magnetic particle, etc. This shifts you from manual labor to a inspector role, often with a salary bump.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Welder → Certified Welder → Lead Welder/Fabricator: The standard path. More responsibility, slightly higher pay.
  2. Welder → Welding Inspector: Requires AWS or CSWIP certification. Moves you off the tools and into QA/QC.
  3. Welder → Shop Foreman/Project Manager: Requires leadership skills and experience managing jobs and people. This is the path to six figures in the right company.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable. The need to maintain aging infrastructure (bridges, naval vessels, pipelines) ensures work. The growth in offshore wind will create new, temporary projects. The key is to remain adaptable. The welder who can switch from structural steel to aluminum boat fabrication will never be out of work in Virginia Beach.

The Verdict: Is Virginia Beach Right for You?

For a welder, Virginia Beach offers a stable career with a unique lifestyle. It's not the highest-paying market, but the cost of living and proximity to major employers create a viable, balanced life. It's ideal for those who want to work in heavy industry but live near the ocean.

Here's a final breakdown:

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Anchored by federal defense spending and the port.	Slightly Below-National Salary: Median of $49,203 vs. $49,590 national.
Lower Cost of Living: Index of 97.4 vs. US 100; median 1BR rent is $1,287.	Traffic & Tunnels: Commutes to major shipyards can be brutal.
Unique Specializations: Maritime, naval, and upcoming offshore wind.	Homeownership Challenge: Difficult on a single median income.
Lifestyle Access: Beach, outdoor activities, and a relaxed coastal vibe.	Limited "Climb": Job growth is slow (2%); you must specialize to significantly increase pay.
No State License Required: Lower barrier to entry compared to other trades.	Seasonal Economy: Tourism can cause minor fluctuations in some service sectors.

Final Recommendation: Virginia Beach is a strong "B+" choice for welders. It's not the top-paying location, but it offers a high quality of life and solid, reliable employment. It's perfect for a welder with 2-5 years of experience who is ready to specialize, or for someone who values the coastal lifestyle and is willing to start at the median wage to build a career in a stable industry. If you're purely chasing the highest salary, look to NoVA or out-of-state pipeline work. If you want a career and a life, Virginia Beach is worth serious consideration.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be a certified welder to get a job in Virginia Beach?
A: While you can start as a helper without certification, you will not make the median wage or get hired by major employers like Huntington Ingalls or NAVSEA without AWS certifications. It's highly recommended to get certified before applying.

Q: Is the work seasonal?
A: Most of the work in shipyards, manufacturing, and industrial repair is year-round. Some smaller custom fabrication shops may see seasonal dips, but the major employers have consistent contracts.

Q: What are the most common welding processes used here?
A: SMAW (Stick) and FCAW (Flux-Cored) are king in ship repair and structural work. GMAW (MIG) is common in manufacturing. TIG (GTAW) is used for precision work on aluminum (boats) and stainless. Pipe welding (SMAW/GTAW) is a premium skill.

Q: How do I find apprenticeships?
A: Check with Hampton Roads Workforce Council and the Local 80 Pipefitters & Welders Union. Also, contact the HR departments at the major employers directly. Many shipyards have formal apprenticeship programs that are competitive but offer full benefits and training.

Q: What's the weather like for outdoor welding?
A: Virginia Beach has humid summers (high 80s) and mild winters (40s-50s). You'll weld outdoors on ship decks and in shipyards. Expect to deal with wind, rain, and sun. Proper PPE and conditioning are essential. The summer heat can be intense, so hydration is key.