Welder Salary in Illinois
Join, cut, and shape metal using heat and specialized equipment to build and repair structures, pipelines, vehicles, and machinery.
Illinois Welder Wages at a Glance
Illinois welders earn a statewide median of $51,320 per year ($24.67 per hour), up 21.6% from May 2020, with the middle of the wage range running from $38,890 at the 10th percentile to $76,730 at the 90th.
Illinois employs approximately 16,260 welders statewide, up 13.0% from May 2020.
Median Wages by Metro
| Metro | Annual median | Hourly | Employment | 5-yr wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peoria | $58,960 | $28.34/hr | 1,230 | up 31.1% |
| Chicago | $52,650 | $25.31/hr | 9,320 | up 22.6% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2020 and May 2025.