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Welder Salary in Roanoke, VA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Roanoke's cost of living (index: 88). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Welder Salary in Roanoke β€” Key Numbers

$41,835
Median Salary
$32,974
25th Percentile
$53,222
75th Percentile
$67,346
90th Percentile
National median (Welder)$47,540
vs. National median-12.0%
Roanoke median household income$55,800
vs. City household income-25.0%

Cost of Living in Roanoke

Cost of Living Index
88(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$950/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio27.2%
Annual rent cost$11,400
Median Home Price$215,000
Home Price / Salary5.1Γ—
20% Down Payment$43,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.1 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Roanoke

3.6%
Unemployment Rate
320,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
39.5
Median Age

Roanoke has a metro population of 320,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 3.6% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Welder Salary β€” Other Virginia Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Welder make in Roanoke, VA?

The estimated median salary for a Welder in Roanoke is $41,835 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $47,540 adjusted by Roanoke's cost of living index (88). The typical salary range runs from $32,974 (25th percentile) to $53,222 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $67,346.

Is Roanoke affordable for a Welder?

On a $41,835 annual salary, a Welder in Roanoke would spend approximately 27.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($950/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Roanoke relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $215,000 is 5.1Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Welder's salary compare to Roanoke's overall income?

Roanoke's median household income is $55,800. A Welder earning the city-adjusted median of $41,835 earns 25.0% less than the typical Roanoke household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Roanoke has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.