Welder Salary in Lombard, IL: $50,411 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Lombard, IL earns a median $50,411/year (≈ $24.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Lombard's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $51,917 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average welder salary in Lombard, Illinois, stands at $50,411, reflecting ongoing demand in the local market. The salary distribution for welders ranges from $35,962 at the lower end (P10) to as high as $71,733 (P90), influenced by factors such as specialization and experience. Employed welders often find themselves in diverse roles, ranging from structural welding to pipeline work, with the latter typically offering the highest compensation due to the demanding nature of the projects involved. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data, illustrate the competitive landscape for welding jobs in the region, highlighting the importance of certifications and advanced skills in determining relative pay.
About the Lombard Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,962 | $17.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,783 | $22.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,411 | $24.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,154 | $28.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,733 | $34.48 |
Median Salary Position
9.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lombard
In Lombard, IL, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,771 (2026 est.). At $50,411, the local median is 9.81% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lombard: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lombard Welder Pay Compares
Lombard median: $50,411/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lombard Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $52,024 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -9.81% less |
Welders in Lombard, IL earn a median of $50,411 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.81% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 3.10% below the Illinois state average of $52,024.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lombard 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.
Lombard, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $50,411 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,917 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,322
2025 BLS Actual
$48,477
2026 Current Est.
$50,411
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Lombard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,322 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,855 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,398 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,876 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,139 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,569 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,477 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,411 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,423 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lombard metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $38,322 (2019) to $48,477 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,423 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,101 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lombard 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) | $35,962 – $45,783 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,783 – $50,411 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,411 – $59,154 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,154 – $71,733 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Lombard
With only eight welders currently employed in Lombard, the local job market feels somewhat constrained. The area’s cost of living index, sitting at 97.1, suggests that purchasing power is slightly above the national average, potentially increasing the appeal of welding positions in Lombard. Employers in high-paying sectors, such as oil and gas pipeline welding and aerospace, can significantly boost incomes for skilled workers. Those with certifications in areas like 6G pipe welding or ASME Section IX can expect to earn more compared to those in less specialized roles. Additional strategies, such as pursuing traveling positions or obtaining niche certifications in underwater welding or nuclear maintenance, could maximize earnings. Overall, growth in welding opportunities, paired with the looming skills gap resulting from an aging workforce, presents a promising outlook for aspiring welders in Lombard, IL.
More salary data for Lombard, 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 $48,477 for weldersin the Lombard 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 Lombard 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