Welder Salary in Addison, IL: $51,432 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Addison, IL earns a median $51,432/year (≈ $24.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Addison's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $52,968 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Welding professionals in Addison, IL, can expect a median salary of $51,432 in 2026, reflecting a compensation structure that emphasizes pipe welding positions alongside structural and production roles. The salary range for welders in this area stretches from $38,408 at the 10th percentile to $72,037 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse market with income potential significantly influenced by specialty skills and certifications. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price variations, providing insight into how much welders can earn while working in Addison's unique economic context.
About the Addison Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,408 | $18.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,846 | $21.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,432 | $24.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,652 | $28.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,037 | $34.63 |
Median Salary Position
7.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Addison
In Addison, IL, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,629 (2026 est.). At $51,432, the local median is 7.98% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Addison: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Addison Welder Pay Compares
Addison median: $51,432/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Addison Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $52,004 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -7.98% less |
Welders in Addison, IL earn a median of $51,432 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.98% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.10% below the Illinois state average of $52,004.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Addison has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Addison, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $51,432 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,968 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,098
2025 BLS Actual
$49,459
2026 Current Est.
$51,432
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Addison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,098 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,662 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,257 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,745 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,033 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,675 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,459 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,432 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,485 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Addison metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $39,098 (2019) to $49,459 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,485 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,387 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Addison 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $38,408 – $44,846 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,846 – $51,432 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,432 – $59,652 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,652 – $72,037 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Addison
With only six welders currently employed in Addison, the local job market showcases a level of exclusivity that may not translate into high competition but indicates a niche demand for specific skills, particularly those associated with structural steel fabrication and pipeline welding. The cost of living index in Addison stands at 97.1, slightly below the national average, meaning that welders' salaries may afford them a decent standard of living within the region, albeit with some financial constraints. The highest-paying opportunities are likely found in establishments servicing the oil and gas sector, where certifications such as the 6G pipeline welding can significantly influence earnings. For welders looking to maximize their income, pursuing advanced certifications or engaging in traveling positions, which can include substantial per-diem adds, would be advantageous strategies in a market where differences in pay can be remarkable, often based on experience level, specialty, and industry demands.
More salary data for Addison, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $49,459 for weldersin the Addison metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Addison 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