Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers Salary in Illinois

Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers in Illinois earn a median salary of $49,730 annually or $23.91 per hour. Entry-level workers (10th percentile) start around $38,330, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) can earn up to $70,750. The middle 50% of workers earn between $45,300 and $59,900. Pay varies significantly based on specialization, with underwater welders and certified pipe welders commanding premium wages. Union membership often provides higher pay and better benefits. The Chicago metropolitan area typically offers the highest wages due to major manufacturing and construction projects. Experience level makes a substantial difference—journeyman welders with AWS certifications earn considerably more than entry-level workers. Industries like aerospace, petroleum, and structural steel tend to pay above average. With Illinois' cost of living at 99% of the national average, the adjusted salary value is $50,232, making it competitive with national standards. The job outlook remains steady, driven by infrastructure projects, manufacturing needs, and the retirement of older welders creating opportunities for new workers entering the field.

In Illinois, becoming a welder typically requires 6 months to 2 years of training. Start with a welding certificate program at community colleges like College of DuPage, Joliet Junior College, or Illinois Central College, which offer comprehensive programs covering MIG, TIG, and stick welding. Trade schools like Lincoln College of Technology in Melrose Park provide accelerated programs. Most programs cost $5,000-$15,000 and include hands-on training with industry-standard equipment. After completing basic training, pursue AWS (American Welding Society) certifications, which are industry-standard in Illinois. No state license is required, but certifications like D1.1 Structural Steel or 6G Pipe are essential for higher-paying positions. Many welders complete apprenticeships through unions like the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Local 1 or Pipefitters Local 597. Union apprenticeships last 3-4 years, combining classroom instruction with 6,000-8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Apprentices start at 40-50% of journeyman wages, progressing to full pay upon completion. Major employers like Caterpillar, Boeing, and Chicago-area construction companies often provide additional specialized training. Consider specializing in underwater welding, aerospace welding, or pipeline work for premium pay opportunities in Illinois' diverse industrial landscape.

The $32,420 gap between the 10th percentile ($38,330) and 90th percentile ($70,750) reflects significant variation in welder compensation. Entry-level welders earning $38,330 typically have basic training and work in general manufacturing or repair shops. The 75th percentile at $59,900 represents skilled welders with AWS certifications working in specialized industries like aerospace or structural steel. Top earners at $70,750 are usually experienced union welders, certified pipe welders, or specialists in high-demand areas like underwater or nuclear welding. Geographic location within Illinois matters significantly—Chicago metropolitan area welders earn 15-25% more than downstate workers due to prevailing wage laws on public projects and higher cost of living. Union membership is a major factor, with union welders often earning $10,000-$15,000 more annually plus comprehensive benefits. Industry specialization drives the highest premiums, with aerospace welders at Boeing or nuclear facility welders commanding top wages. Years of experience and continuous certification maintenance separate good earners from exceptional ones in Illinois' competitive welding market.