Welder Hourly Pay in Decatur, IL: $28.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Decatur, IL runs $28.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,971 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Decatur's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.4, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,988 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Decatur, Illinois, the welder hourly pay is projected to reach $28.84 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $26.87. This elevated rate reflects the specific demand and skill set required within the local market, catering to various welding environments such as manufacturing production cells and shipyard structures. For part-time workers, those who operate three days a week could anticipate significant earnings, especially when considering the hourly scope. Entry-level welders may start around $23.50, while top earners in the field can achieve rates of up to $33.10, making it an attractive profession for those with proper certification like AWS or NCCER.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.50 | $188.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.42 | $195.33 |
| Median (P50) | $28.84 | $230.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.37 | $250.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.10 | $264.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Decatur
Based on $28.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.84/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Decatur, IL can expect to earn approximately $59,980 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,604. With a cost-of-living index of 88.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Decatur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Decatur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,153.46 | $4,998 | $59,980 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $692.07 | $2,999 | $35,988 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $461.38 | $1,999 | $23,992 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Decatur) | $28.84 |
| 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 Decatur, IL earn a median of $59,971 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.29% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 15.30% above the Illinois state average of $52,013.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.84/hr = $35,988/year (purchasing power: $40,700).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,980/year (purchasing power: $67,834).
CoL index: 88.422 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Decatur grew 31.8% from $21.04/hr (2019) to $27.73/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.99/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 Decatur 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 Decatur
For those considering part-time opportunities, working just 24 hours a week can lead to a substantial annual income, potentially exceeding $40,000 depending on individual circumstances and job types. Per diem welders in Decatur might find lucrative opportunities, especially in specialized roles such as pipeline welding or refinery maintenance, often paired with daily allowances that can range from $80 to $175. Welders engaged in high-demand situations, such as refinery turnarounds or underwater welding, could see base rates of $50-$80 per hour alongside overtime bonuses, while owner-operators can bill significantly more with their own equipment. Additionally, the dynamics of employer types in Decatur can influence pay rates, as structural fabrication shops, petroleums, and defense contractors may offer distinct wage packages, either favoring benefits or higher hourly compensation. For those negotiating their rates, emphasizing unique skills or certifications can help secure better pay, guiding new entrants and seasoned professionals alike toward fruitful opportunities in this thriving sector.
More salary data for Decatur, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Decatur in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Decatur?
Are welders in Decatur paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in Decatur?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Decatur?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Decatur. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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