Welder Hourly Pay in Skokie, IL: $24.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Skokie, IL runs $24.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,862 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Skokie's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,511 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Skokie, Illinois, the welder hourly pay is projected at $24.45 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $26.87. For part-time welders working three days a week, or for those engaged in per diem setups, this rate translates to approximately $1,400 monthly based on a 24-hour workweek. Welders in Skokie can expect to earn between $18.41 and $35.23 an hour, reflecting a typical entry-level hourly rate at $18.41 and the higher end for experienced professionals reaching up to $35.23. These figures are relevant across various equipment and settings, whether it be in fabrication shop production lines, pipeline welding stations, or even mobile rig setups. The competitive rates are increasingly significant given the growing demand for qualified welders, particularly those with certifications such as AWS, NCCER, and specialized training.
About the Skokie 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) | $18.41 | $147.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.01 | $168.05 |
| Median (P50) | $24.45 | $195.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.81 | $230.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.23 | $281.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Skokie
Based on $24.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.45/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Skokie, IL can expect to earn approximately $50,852 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,338. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Skokie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Skokie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $977.92 | $4,238 | $50,852 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $586.75 | $2,543 | $30,511 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $391.17 | $1,695 | $20,341 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Skokie) | $24.45 |
| 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 Skokie, IL earn a median of $50,862 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.00% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.20% below the Illinois state average of $52,006.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.45/hr = $30,511/year (purchasing power: $31,422).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,852/year (purchasing power: $52,371).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Skokie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Skokie grew 26.5% from $18.58/hr (2019) to $23.51/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.42/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 Skokie 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 Skokie
Part-time welders in Skokie have a unique earning dynamic compared to their full-time peers, particularly when considering their work schedules. A part-time welder working just 24 hours weekly could earn around $43,682 annually, a figure significantly lower than the full-time counterpart. For those who opt for per diem work, travel opportunities present lucrative possibilities—pipe welders commonly earn base pay ranging from $40 to $70 per hour along with per diem allowances that can stack between $80 and $175 daily. Positions in specialized fields such as refinery turnarounds may pay welders between $50 and $80 per hour with potential double-time on weekends. Structural and manufacturing companies in Skokie exhibit varied pay scales, further influenced by the type of projects and the associated benefits structure. Negotiating hourly rates can be crucial; welders should consider factors such as health insurance and job stability when evaluating offers. Recognizing the current industry demand, particularly for 6G-certified welders, can give candidates leverage in discussions about pay and benefits, ensuring they receive compensation that not only reflects their skills but also the demands of their work environment.
More salary data for Skokie, 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 Skokie. 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 Skokie 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