What do skilled trades pay in Virginia in 2026?
Median pay for 29 skilled trades in Virginia (BLS OEWS May 2025).
In 2026, the highest-paying skilled trades in Virginia are Elevator Installer (~$108,250) and Telecom Line Installer (~$79,090), across 29 trades tracked (BLS OEWS May 2025). Last updated June 2026.
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Different trades win on different measures — here's the top on each. Pick the one that matters to you.
Highest median pay
Elevator Installer
$108,250
Most jobs
Construction Laborer
25,830 jobs
Across 29 trades: $43,560–$108,250 (median $55,840).
Trades ranked by pay in Virginia
| # | Trade | Median |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elevator Installer | $108,250 |
| 2 | Telecom Line Installer | $79,090 |
| 3 | Power-Line Worker | $76,590 |
| 4 | Boilermaker | $67,540 |
| 5 | Plasterer | $64,120 |
| 6 | Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $64,020 |
| 7 | Electrician | $62,900 |
| 8 | Plumber | $60,470 |
| 9 | Ironworker | $60,260 |
| 10 | HVAC Technician | $59,730 |
See all 29
| 11 | Glazier | $59,260 |
| 12 | Welder | $59,180 |
| 13 | Construction Equipment Operator | $57,160 |
| 14 | Insulation Worker | $57,010 |
| 15 | Drywall Installer | $55,840 |
| 16 | Carpenter | $55,690 |
| 17 | Rebar Worker | $55,120 |
| 18 | Brickmason | $54,680 |
| 19 | Sheet Metal Worker | $52,220 |
| 20 | Millwright | $51,430 |
| 21 | Cement Mason | $50,930 |
| 22 | Floor Layer | $50,440 |
| 23 | Solar Installer | $49,190 |
| 24 | Tile & Stone Setter | $48,880 |
| 25 | Pipelayer | $48,700 |
| 26 | Roofer | $48,420 |
| 27 | Painter | $47,470 |
| 28 | Hazardous Materials Removal Worker | $45,320 |
| 29 | Construction Laborer | $43,560 |
Where is the union premium biggest in Virginia?
Named locals and the premium over the BLS all-worker median.
We don't have union scale data for Virginia across our trades yet — these trades are predominantly non-union, or we haven't added IBEW/UA data. Submitting your pay helps build complete data for Virginia.
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