Welder Salary in Chicago, IL
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Trades · COL Index: 107.3
$50,700
Median Salary
$53,840
Mean Salary
$47,251
COL-Adjusted
9,150
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $37,950 | $35,368 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,200 | $41,193 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $50,700 | $47,251 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,960 | $55,881 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $70,910 | $66,086 |
What Drives the Range
The $32,960 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Welder positions in Chicago, IL reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
Chicago, IL's cost-of-living index of 107.3 means that a $50,700 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $47,251 in an average-cost U.S. city. The relatively moderate cost of living makes this a competitive market for purchasing power.