Average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $53,840. This figure is slightly below the national average of $54,940, suggesting that while demand exists, local market dynamics and potentially a slightly lower cost of living compared to other high-paying regions contribute to this compensation. The specific needs of Chicago's diverse industrial and construction sectors shape the pay scale for these essential skilled trades.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $70,910.
- Outlook: The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area supports a substantial workforce of 9,150 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. While the Location Quotient of 0.74 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, the sheer size of the local workforce suggests a consistent and significant demand for skilled professionals in this sector. This robust employment base points to a stable job market for welders within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN earns-2.0%below the national average.
$25.9
$1,035
$4,487
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled trades like welding have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, driven by inflation, increased demand for infrastructure projects, and a growing need for specialized welding techniques. This growth is likely reflected in the current average salary, even if it falls slightly below the national benchmark.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Career progression for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level positions to senior or specialized roles. While exact figures vary, experienced welders with certifications in advanced techniques or supervisory responsibilities can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,950 | $18.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $40,380 | $19.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $50,700 | $24.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $67,300 | $32.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $70,910 | $34.1 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $53,840 in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a welder's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the immediate pressure of higher living expenses often associated with more expensive metropolitan areas.
Job Market Context
9,150
Total Jobs
2.046
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has 0.74x the national average concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.74, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area has a slightly lower concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is active and supports a large number of professionals, it may not be as saturated as some other regions, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers where demand is steady but competition might be less intense than in areas with a higher LQ.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $54,240↑ 1% | 41 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $54,690↑ 2% | 51 mi |
| Kankakee, IL Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $54,600↑ 1% | 55 mi |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $53,990↑ 0% | 59 mi |
| Niles, MI Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $51,990↓ 3% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Hiring Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $53,840. This typically ranges from $37,950 for entry-level positions to $70,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 2.0% lower than the national median of $54,940.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Moderately lucrative, with stable opportunities.The average salary is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making it a financially stable region. The large workforce indicates consistent demand for these skilled professionals.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Michigan City-La Porte, IN ($54,240) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the Chicago welder salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $53,840, which is slightly lower than the national average of $54,940.
What is the cost of living in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN for welders?
The cost of living in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area is exactly at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100.
How many welders are employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area?
There are approximately 9,150 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metropolitan area.
Is the job market for welders in Chicago concentrated?
The job market for welders in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN has a Location Quotient of 0.74, which is below the national average, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these jobs relative to the overall workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,150 employees in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area with a job density of 2.046 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- All Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Management Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Production Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
- Browse All Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN