Welder Salary in Peoria, IL: $61,313 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Peoria, IL earns a median $61,313/year (≈ $29.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Peoria's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.2), that paycheck buys what $67,206 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.8% above the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Peoria, Illinois, the welder salary averages $61,313 in 2026, placing it above the national median of $55,895. Local welders can expect to earn between $48,335 and $83,119, reflecting a diverse pay scale that accommodates various levels of skill and specialization. The compensation in this Midwestern city is particularly favorable for pipe welders, especially those with advanced certifications such as the 6G pipe welding ticket, often seen commanding the highest pay. This robust market demand highlights the significant role that different types of welding work, such as structural and production welding, play in the local economy and employment landscape, creating a competitive environment for skilled tradespeople in Peoria.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,335 | $23.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,047 | $25.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,313 | $29.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,550 | $32.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,119 | $39.96 |
Median Salary Position
9.69% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Peoria
In Peoria, IL, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,784 (2026 est.). At $61,313, the local median is 9.69% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Peoria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Peoria Welder Pay Compares
Peoria median: $61,313/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Peoria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $52,048 | +17.80% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +9.69% more |
Welders in Peoria, IL earn a median of $61,313 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.69% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 17.80% above the Illinois state average of $52,048.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Peoria has a cost of living 8.77% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Peoria, IL has a cost-of-living index of 91.231 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $61,313 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,206 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,720
2025 BLS Actual
$58,960
2026 Current Est.
$61,313
2019–2027 Growth
+42.6%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,980 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,313 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,759 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Peoria metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 31.8% from $44,720 (2019) to $58,960 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,759 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,039 (42.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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) | $48,335 – $52,047 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,047 – $61,313 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,313 – $68,550 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,550 – $83,119 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Peoria
With 1,230 welders currently employed in Peoria, the job market remains buoyant, benefiting from a cost-of-living index of 91.231, which suggests that take-home purchasing power is relatively solid for the area. Employers in the city vary widely in what they offer: while structural steel fabrication shops and production welding positions tend to provide stable, predictable pay, those involved in oil and gas pipeline welding or nuclear plant maintenance often enjoy much higher rates, particularly when per-diem is added for travel. The spread in compensation levels is driven by various factors such as certification rarity, type and location of work, as well as market fluctuations, particularly in high-demand sectors like energy and aerospace. For welders aiming to maximize their earnings, pursuing advanced certifications, seeking specialized roles, and being open to travel opportunities can significantly enhance their salary potential in Peoria, IL.
More salary data for Peoria, 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 $58,960 for weldersin the Peoria 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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