Trades & Labor Chicago, IL
Pop. 2,693,976
Welder Salary in Chicago, Illinois
The median welder salary in Chicago, IL is $50,301 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.
City Median
$50,301
vs State Avg
+$5,641
vs National
+$3,291
Cost of Living
107%
Welder Salary in Chicago by Experience
In Chicago, an entry-level welder earns around $34,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,240
+$2,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,360
+$3,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,760
+$4,760 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Chicago |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $35,524 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,516 |
| Median (50th) | $50,301 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,274 |
| 90th Percentile | $75,756 |
Welder Salary in Other Illinois Cities
How to Become a Welder in Chicago
Education
Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools
Job Outlook
Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Welder Jobs in Chicago
Browse open welder positions in Chicago, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Chicago
How much does a Welder make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median welder salary in Chicago, Illinois is $50,301 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $35,524 (10th percentile) to $75,756 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,301, a welder in Chicago earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for welder pay? ▼
Chicago's median welder salary of $50,301 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $44,660. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $50,301 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Chicago? ▼
Most welder positions in Chicago require a high school diploma. Key skills include MIG/TIG Welding, Blueprint Reading, Metal Fabrication, Quality Inspection. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.