📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release
Welder Salary in Illinois (2026)
Illinois · 5.0% above national average · High Demand
Average
$49,360
per year
Median
$46,400
per year
Hourly
$23.73
per hour
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$34,188
25th Percentile — Junior$42,754
50th Percentile — Median$46,400
75th Percentile — Senior$62,027
90th Percentile — Top Earners$68,886
💡 Top-earning Welders in Illinois make up to $68,886 per year. The job market in Illinois is rated strong, with key industries including Finance, Manufacturing, Agriculture.
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$43.6k
2021
$44.7k
2022
$45.8k
2023
$47.0k
2024
$48.2k
2025
$49.4k
2026
📈 Welder salaries in Illinois have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Illinois's job market supports continued salary increases.
Welder Salary by City in Illinois
Geographic salary comparison
| City | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $55,283 | +12.0% | High |
| Aurora | $50,347 | +2.0% | High |
Welder Job Market in Illinois
Key factors affecting compensation
Illinois is home to a strong job market for Welders. The state's key industries — Finance, Manufacturing, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $49,360 per year, Illinois's Welder salaries are 5.0% higher than the national average.
The cost of living in Illinois (index: 1.05) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Illinois can expect to earn $34,188–$42,754, while experienced Welders can command $62,027–$68,886.
Looking ahead, the Welder profession in Illinois is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Finance continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.
🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
-
What is the average Welder salary in Illinois?The average Welder salary in Illinois is $49,360 per year in 2026, which is 5.0% above the national average of $47,010.
-
What city in Illinois pays Welders the most?Major metro areas typically pay Welders the highest wages in Illinois due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
-
Is Illinois a good state for Welders?Illinois has a strong job market with major industries in Finance, Manufacturing, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Welder employment.
-
How does Illinois Welder salary compare to the US average?At $49,360/year, Illinois Welder salaries are 5.0% higher than the national average of $47,010/year.
Related Salary Pages
Explore more salary data