Welder Salary in Berwyn, IL: $51,410 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Berwyn, IL earns a median $51,410/year (≈ $24.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Berwyn's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $52,945 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the welder salary in Berwyn, Illinois, is projected to reach a median of $51,410, which reflects a nuanced market landscape when compared to the national average of $55,895. Wages in this area feature a range from $35,507 at the lower end to $72,069 at the upper percentile, highlighting a variety of pay scales that welders may encounter based on their skill levels and certifications. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for local living costs, which can influence take-home pay. Additionally, the local job market offers opportunities for specialized welders, such as those venturing into rig welding, where ownership of equipment can significantly affect income—often providing higher hourly rates but requiring substantial initial investment.
About the Berwyn Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,507 | $17.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,934 | $22.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,410 | $24.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,242 | $28.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,069 | $34.65 |
Median Salary Position
8.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Berwyn
In Berwyn, IL, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,562 (2026 est.). At $51,410, the local median is 8.02% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Berwyn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Berwyn Welder Pay Compares
Berwyn median: $51,410/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Berwyn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $52,034 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -8.02% less |
Welders in Berwyn, IL earn a median of $51,410 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.02% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.20% below the Illinois state average of $52,034.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Berwyn 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.
Berwyn, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $51,410 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,945 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,081
2025 BLS Actual
$49,437
2026 Current Est.
$51,410
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Berwyn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,081 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,644 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,238 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,725 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,013 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,650 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,437 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,410 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,461 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Berwyn metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $39,081 (2019) to $49,437 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,461 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,380 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berwyn 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) | $35,507 – $45,934 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,934 – $51,410 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,410 – $59,242 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,242 – $72,069 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Berwyn
With only 12 welders currently employed in Berwyn, the narrower job market means that competition for positions might be limited, but this can also imply a higher demand, particularly for specialized skills in welding. The cost-of-living index of 97.1 indicates that expenses are slightly below the national average, which can enhance the effective purchasing power of local salaries. Industries that pay the most in this area tend to be structural steel fabrication and oil and gas pipeline sectors, where expertise in specialized welding techniques can yield higher wages. To maximize earning potential, welders should invest in advanced certifications, such as 6G pipe welding and ASME IX, or consider exploring traveling positions that offer per-diem compensation. Understanding the economic dynamics of rig welder ownership and staying abreast of local demand trends can further enhance salary prospects for those in Berwyn.
More salary data for Berwyn, 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 $49,437 for weldersin the Berwyn 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 Berwyn 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