Welder Hourly Pay in Cicero, IL: $24.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Cicero, IL runs $24.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,358 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Cicero's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,213 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With a median hourly rate of $24.21 in Cicero, Illinois, the earnings for welders in 2026 fall slightly below the national median of $26.87. This rate positions welding professionals to earn a reasonable income, especially in full-time roles generally spanning 40 hours a week. For welders working part-time, say three days a week, often at fabrication shops or pipeline welding stations, this translates to a net of about $24,000 annually. The range of hourly pay can fluctuate significantly based on experience, with entry-level positions starting around $17.87, while seasoned welders can command up to $34.49 per hour, particularly in specialized sectors like nuclear power plant maintenance or shipyard work. This hourly data is derived from projections based on annual salary estimates, making it vital for potential employees to consider their work arrangements and the types of facilities they aim to join.
About the Cicero 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) | $17.87 | $142.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.04 | $168.30 |
| Median (P50) | $24.21 | $193.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.23 | $225.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.49 | $275.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cicero
Based on $24.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.21/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cicero, IL can expect to earn approximately $50,354 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,051. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cicero.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cicero
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $968.35 | $4,196 | $50,354 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $581.01 | $2,518 | $30,213 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.34 | $1,678 | $20,142 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Cicero) | $24.21 |
| 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 Cicero, IL earn a median of $50,358 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.91% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 3.20% below the Illinois state average of $52,023.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.21/hr = $30,213/year (purchasing power: $31,115).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,354/year (purchasing power: $51,858).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Cicero grew 26.5% from $18.40/hr (2019) to $23.28/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.17/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 Cicero 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 Cicero
Considering the earning potential for part-time welders, those working 24 hours a week in Cicero would take home approximately $29,952 annually, a figure starkly less than that of full-time counterparts. In the case of per-diem work, many welders, especially in high-demand roles like traveling pipe welders, can expect lucrative arrangements, often receiving between $80 and $175 daily in addition to their hourly wage. For example, during refinery turnaround periods, welders may secure $50 to $80 per hour and potentially double that for weekend shifts. Different welding sectors contribute varying pay scales in Cicero; whether it's structural steel fabrication or the oil and gas pipeline industry, hourly rates differ accordingly. Moreover, while some welders may opt for positions with lower pay but solid benefits, others might prioritize higher hourly rates without added health insurance. For those negotiating hourly pay, being aware of local wage trends and educating oneself on industry standards can significantly affect outcomes.
More salary data for Cicero, 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 Cicero. 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 Cicero 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