Welder Hourly Pay in Buffalo Grove, IL: $24.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Buffalo Grove, IL runs $24.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,077 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Buffalo Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,641 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, can expect a median hourly rate of $24.55, which falls below the national median of $26.87. This wage indicates both opportunities and challenges for welders looking to balance part-time and per-diem work, especially in settings like fabrication shops and pipeline welding stations. Entry-level positions may start at around $19.31, while experienced welders can earn up to $35.51 per hour, reflecting the demand for specialized skills. The various work environments—ranging from shipyard welding bays to mobile rig setups—contribute to this hourly rate spread. Estimates draw from annual salary projections and local economic conditions, highlighting the nuances in welder hourly pay in Buffalo Grove compared to broader Illinois trends.
About the Buffalo Grove Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.31 | $154.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.15 | $177.20 |
| Median (P50) | $24.55 | $196.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.77 | $222.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.51 | $284.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buffalo Grove
Based on $24.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.55/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buffalo Grove, IL can expect to earn approximately $51,068 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,462. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Buffalo Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buffalo Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $982.08 | $4,256 | $51,068 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $589.25 | $2,553 | $30,641 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $392.83 | $1,702 | $20,427 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Buffalo Grove) | $24.55 |
| Machinist (National Avg) | $25.72 |
| Sheet Metal Worker (National Avg) | $28.93 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Boilermaker (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Welders in Buffalo Grove, IL earn a median of $51,077 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.62% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.80% below the Illinois state average of $52,013.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.55/hr = $30,641/year (purchasing power: $31,556).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,068/year (purchasing power: $52,593).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Buffalo Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Buffalo Grove grew 26.5% from $18.66/hr (2019) to $23.61/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.53/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem welders can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buffalo Grove metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Welder in Buffalo Grove
For those considering part-time work as a welder, a typical schedule of three days a week could yield an annual income significantly less than full-time counterparts. Part-time welders might take home a comfortable income without the demands of a full 40-hour week, focusing on specific projects or temporary positions. The per diem structure often offers appealing financial incentives, with traveling pipe welders earning between $40-$70 per hour plus daily allowances that can range from $80-$175. During peak periods, such as refinery turnarounds, skilled welders can earn $50-$80 per hour, with some positions offering overtime pay. Variability in hourly wages often comes down to employer type; structural fabrication shops and mobile welding operations each present unique cost structures. Negotiation strategies become essential here. Welders should weigh hourly pay against benefits, as opting for lower hourly rates with health insurance could strongly influence overall compensation. In Buffalo Grove, understanding the specific dynamics of welder hourly pay and per diem options can lead to more informed career decisions.
More salary data for Buffalo Grove, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for welders in Buffalo Grove. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Buffalo Grove is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov