Chicago vs Park Ridge: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Chicago, IL and Park Ridge, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Park Ridge, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,751▲ | $50,023 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.32▲ | $24.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,691▲ | $39,177 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,116▲ | $44,962 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,214▲ | $56,367 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,421▲ | $70,437 |
| Total Employed | 9,320▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Park Ridge.
The salary gap between Chicago and Park Ridge is $4,728 (9.45%). Chicago's median is -2.05% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $36,730,Park Ridge spans $31,260. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($52,851 effective) pays 2.59% more than Park Ridge ($51,517 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,751/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,421)
- ✓Larger job market (9,320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,851)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Park Ridge if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Chicago grew 21.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.2% growth in Park Ridge over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$43,180 (2019) → $52,650 (2025)
Park Ridge, IL
$54,150 (2024) → $48,104 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Park Ridge, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Chicago or Park Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Park Ridge?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Park Ridge as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Chicago vs Park Ridge?
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Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov