Welder Salary in Collinsville, IL: $50,875 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Collinsville, IL earns a median $50,875/year (≈ $24.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Collinsville's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $52,394 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Collinsville, Illinois, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $50,875, which reflects a competitive rate compared to the national median of $55,895 but indicates a local earning potential that is about 8.98% lower. The salary range for welders in the area varies significantly, with entry-level welders making approximately $37,064, while top earners can reach up to $70,167. These figures represent estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments. For those considering a career in welding, especially as rig owners, the challenge lies in balancing the initial equipment investment with the hourly wage—essentially an upfront cost for a long-term benefit in a lucrative sector. Understanding the local job market is crucial, as it shapes the earning potential for welders in Collinsville.
About the Collinsville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,064 | $17.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,675 | $21.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,875 | $24.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,342 | $28.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,167 | $33.73 |
Median Salary Position
8.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Collinsville
In Collinsville, IL, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,103 (2026 est.). At $50,875, the local median is 8.98% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Collinsville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Collinsville Welder Pay Compares
Collinsville median: $50,875/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Collinsville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $52,019 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -8.98% less |
Welders in Collinsville, IL earn a median of $50,875 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.98% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 2.20% below the Illinois state average of $52,019.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Collinsville 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.
Collinsville, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $50,875 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,394 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,674
2025 BLS Actual
$48,923
2026 Current Est.
$50,875
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Collinsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,674 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,222 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,788 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,271 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,545 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,072 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,923 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,875 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,905 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Collinsville metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $38,674 (2019) to $48,923 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,905 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,231 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Collinsville 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) | $37,064 – $43,675 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,675 – $50,875 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,875 – $58,342 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,342 – $70,167 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Collinsville
The local welding market in Collinsville remains robust, with only five welders currently employed in the area. The cost of living index, which stands at 97.1, suggests that wages here afford a reasonable purchasing power compared to the national average. Employers that typically offer higher pay include structural steel fabrication shops, oil and gas pipeline welding companies, and aerospace manufacturing facilities. Variations in welder compensation can often be attributed to factors such as certification levels—where 6G pipe certifications and specialized skills yield higher pay—and the type of work being performed. For welders looking to maximize their pay in this environment, targeting sectors that specialize in high-demand areas like nuclear maintenance or pipelines, as well as considering self-employment options through mobile welding, could present lucrative opportunities.
More salary data for Collinsville, 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 $48,923 for weldersin the Collinsville 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 Collinsville 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