Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| Illinois | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $51,320 | $53,934 | -5% |
| Median hourly wage | $24.67 | $25.93 | -5% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $51,320.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City-level data coming soon. | ||||
The median annual salary for a Welder in Illinois is $51,320, or about $24.67 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Welders is $53,934. Illinois is -5% below the national median.
Entry-level welders in Illinois typically earn from varies by experience depending on the city and employer.
With 16,260 welder jobs on record and a median salary of $51,320, Illinois offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.