Welder · Salary Comparison · 2026
Welder Salary: Richmond, VA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Welders in Richmond, VA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$44,000 vs $65,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$43,564 vs $40,123
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Richmond, VA
$37,939 vs $37,074
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $44,000 | $65,000▲ | -$21,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,880 | $50,050▲ | -$16,170 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,320 | $83,200▲ | -$26,880 |
| 90th Percentile | $70,400 | $104,000▲ | -$33,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 162 | -61 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $43,564▲ | $40,123 | +$3,441 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $38,318 | $60,060▲ | -$21,742 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $37,939▲ | $37,074 | +$865 |
| Total Employment | 35,000 | 145,000 | -110,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $21,000 more (median: $44,000 vs $65,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 162), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($43,564 vs $40,123 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.