Welder Hourly Pay in Joliet, IL: $24.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Joliet, IL runs $24.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,691 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Joliet's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,017 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Joliet, Illinois, the welder hourly rate is projected at $24.85, slightly below the national median of $26.87. This rate can significantly impact those working part-time, such as those logging three days a week, who might earn around $29,520 if they work 24 hours weekly. For per-diem welders in various settings—like fabrication shop production lines or pipeline trench welding stations—this translates to a robust earning opportunity that can go well beyond base pay. The hourly wages for welders in Joliet vary widely, with entry-level positions starting around $18.22, while seasoned professionals can command up to $36.42. These numbers reflect a strong demand for welding skills in various industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas pipeline work, and more.
About the Joliet 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) | $18.22 | $145.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.56 | $172.46 |
| Median (P50) | $24.85 | $198.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.45 | $235.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.42 | $291.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joliet
Based on $24.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.85/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joliet, IL can expect to earn approximately $51,696 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,824. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joliet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joliet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $994.14 | $4,308 | $51,696 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $596.49 | $2,585 | $31,017 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $397.66 | $1,723 | $20,678 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Joliet) | $24.85 |
| 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 Joliet, IL earn a median of $51,691 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.52% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $52,003.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.85/hr = $31,017/year (purchasing power: $31,944).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,696/year (purchasing power: $53,239).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Joliet grew 26.5% from $18.89/hr (2019) to $23.90/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.85/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 Joliet 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 Joliet
Examining the earning potential further reveals that part-time welders can expect a solid annual income based on their schedules, though it pales in comparison to full-time pay. Those working per diem—notably traveling pipe welders—often see additional compensation, ranging from $80 to $175 per day, supplementing their substantial base rates. Various employer types in Joliet offer different rates; for example, structural steel fabrication shops might provide stable hourly current rates, while higher demand environments like petrochemical turnaround crews or shipyards could lead to increased earnings, especially during shutdown phases. Welders should also consider the benefits versus pay trade-offs; those accepting lower hourly rates often receive health insurance, while higher pay could come without such perks. To secure favorable rates, knowledge of the local job market and skills certifications, including AWS or NCCER, will be essential when negotiating wage expectations.
More salary data for Joliet, 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 Joliet. 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 Joliet 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