Welder Salary in Cicero, IL: $50,358 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Cicero, IL earns a median $50,358/year (≈ $24.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Cicero's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $51,862 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welders in Cicero, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $50,358 in 2026, which reflects a notable variance against the national median of $55,895. The salary spectrum ranges from $37,167 at the lower end (P10) to a potential $71,740 for the highest earners (P90). These figures represent local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost differences. For many in this trade, the decision to invest in personal rig welder ownership is significant. While the initial cost for quality welding equipment can reach between $80,000 and $150,000, it can lead to increased hourly rates. In Cicero, welders are navigating a market that offers diverse opportunities, but competition and skill specialization remain key in determining compensation.
About the Cicero Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,167 | $17.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,762 | $21.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,358 | $24.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,717 | $28.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,740 | $34.49 |
Median Salary Position
9.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cicero
In Cicero, IL, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,573 (2026 est.). At $50,358, the local median is 9.91% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cicero: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cicero Welder Pay Compares
Cicero median: $50,358/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cicero Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $52,023 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -9.91% less |
Welders in Cicero, IL earn a median of $50,358 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.91% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 3.20% below the Illinois state average of $52,023.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cicero 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.
Cicero, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $50,358 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,862 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,281
2025 BLS Actual
$48,426
2026 Current Est.
$50,358
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,281 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,813 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,354 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,831 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,092 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,513 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,426 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,358 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,367 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cicero metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $38,281 (2019) to $48,426 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,367 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,086 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cicero 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) | $37,167 – $43,762 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,762 – $50,358 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,358 – $58,717 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,717 – $71,740 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Cicero
With only 21 welders currently employed in Cicero, the job market is limited but stable, supported by a cost of living index of 97.1 that suggests a below-average economic environment. This could impact take-home pay and purchasing power in the region. Employers, particularly in structural steel fabrication, pipeline welding, and specialized fields such as nuclear or aerospace welding, generally offer the highest pay as they seek specialized certifications, including 6G pipe qualifications or ASME compliance. The variance in pay often hinges on individual skills and credentials; for instance, traveling versus local work can yield substantial bonuses in the form of per-diem payments, significantly boosting overall income. For those aiming to maximize their welder salary in Cicero IL, focusing on advanced certifications and cultivating a portable skill set can help enhance earning potential within this market.
More salary data for Cicero, 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 $48,426 for weldersin the Cicero 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 Cicero 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