Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $52,950. This figure is slightly below the national average of $54,940, a difference often influenced by regional economic factors and the specific industrial demands of the area. The concentration of these skilled trades in this region plays a significant role in shaping local compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $70,220.
- Outlook: The West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area supports a robust workforce of 1,380 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. With a Location Quotient of 2.96, indicating a concentration nearly three times the national average, the demand for these specialized skills is notably high. This suggests a strong and stable job market for these professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-3.6%below the national average.
$25.5
$1,018
$4,413
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled trades like welding have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for infrastructure projects, and a growing need for specialized manufacturing likely contribute to upward salary pressure in this sector.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary Distribution in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities and the value placed on expertise in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,960 | $18.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $39,713 | $19.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $49,180 | $23.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $66,188 | $31.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $70,220 | $33.8 |
Detailed Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$52,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $52,950 in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan 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 equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary offers a comparable standard of living to other areas across the country.
Job Market Context
1,380
Total Jobs
8.146
Per 1K Jobs
2.96
Location Quotient
West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area has 3.0x the national concentration of Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.96 for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area signifies a highly concentrated job market. This abundance of skilled professionals relative to the national average suggests a competitive environment for new entrants but also indicates a strong ecosystem and readily available talent pool for employers, potentially leading to specialized opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $54,320↑ 3% | 9 mi |
| Decatur, IL Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $54,280↑ 3% | 34 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $50,060↓ 5% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $57,560↑ 9% | 43 mi |
| Springfield, IL Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary | $49,660↓ 6% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers make in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $52,950. This typically ranges from $37,960 for entry-level positions to $70,220 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 3.6% lower than the national median of $54,940.
Is West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
Yes, with caveats.The area offers a strong concentration of jobs (LQ 2.96) and a cost of living on par with the national average, making the $52,950 salary comparable in purchasing power. However, the average salary is slightly below the national average.
Is West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers?
The Cost of Living Index in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($54,320) and Decatur, IL.
How does the local welder salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $52,950, which is slightly lower than the national average of $54,940.
What is the job market like for welders in this region?
The job market is robust, with a Location Quotient of 2.96 indicating a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
Does the cost of living affect the welder's salary in West Central Illinois?
No, the cost of living in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $52,950 salary has equivalent purchasing power nationally.
How many welders are employed in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
There are approximately 1,380 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers employed in the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,380 employees in the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 8.146 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 West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area