Welder Hourly Pay in Urbana, IL: $24.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Urbana, IL runs $24.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,365 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Urbana's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,226 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Urbana, Illinois, the projected welder hourly pay stands at $24.22, reflecting a competitive earning potential when compared to the national median hourly rate of $26.87. This local wage allows welders to thrive, especially those working part-time—say three days a week—who can expect to take home approximately $1,162 for 24 hours of work, or around $60,424 annually if they maintain this schedule consistently. Per diem welders also find opportunities in various environments such as fabrication shops, pipeline welding stations, and refinery platforms. The hourly range for welders in Urbana expands from $19.17 for entry-level positions to a substantial $34.34 for seasoned professionals, illustrating the possibilities for growth in this craft.
About the Urbana 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) | $19.17 | $153.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.91 | $175.29 |
| Median (P50) | $24.22 | $193.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.34 | $226.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.34 | $274.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Urbana
Based on $24.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.22/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Urbana, IL can expect to earn approximately $50,376 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,063. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Urbana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Urbana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $968.77 | $4,198 | $50,376 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $581.26 | $2,519 | $30,226 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.51 | $1,679 | $20,150 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Urbana) | $24.22 |
| 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 Urbana, IL earn a median of $50,365 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.89% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 3.20% below the Illinois state average of $52,030.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.22/hr = $30,226/year (purchasing power: $31,128).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,376/year (purchasing power: $51,881).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Urbana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Urbana grew 26.5% from $18.41/hr (2019) to $23.29/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.19/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 Urbana 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 Urbana
For part-time welders in Urbana, the trade-off between consistent work hours and earning potential becomes evident. A typical 3-day working schedule can yield a solid income, but some may opt for per diem arrangements that boost their earnings significantly. For instance, traveling pipe welders often command $40-$70 per hour and may receive additional per diem pay ranging from $80-$175 daily. Industry-specific rates can vary greatly, with refinery turnaround welders earning between $50-$80 per hour, especially during shutdowns. Self-employed mobile welders or rig welder owner-operators can set their rates, billing as much as $90-$160 per hour, including their equipment costs. The choice between accepting a lower hourly rate with benefits or a higher rate without health insurance hinges on individual financial needs and career goals. Effective negotiation skills play a vital role, empowering welders to secure better compensation across different employer types, from structural steel fabrication to aerospace and defense projects in Urbana.
More salary data for Urbana, 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 Urbana. 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 Urbana 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