Welder Salary in Schaumburg, IL: $51,091 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Schaumburg, IL earns a median $51,091/year (≈ $24.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Schaumburg's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $52,617 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Schaumburg, Illinois, the projected salary for welders in 2026 is set at $51,091 annually, which reflects a competitive but slightly lower rate than the national median of $55,895. The full salary range spans from $38,819 at the 10th percentile to $75,964 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating the variation in earnings based on experience, certification, and specialization. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the regional cost of living. Local labor dynamics show that while many welders earn decent wages, those who venture into traveling pipe welding often experience significantly higher compensations due to per-diem structures and tax advantages. This economic model can result in much greater earnings than what is typically achieved at local shops, a factor worth considering for welders deciding whether to work locally or seek traveling opportunities.
About the Schaumburg Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,819 | $18.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,273 | $21.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,091 | $24.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,532 | $28.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,964 | $36.52 |
Median Salary Position
8.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Schaumburg
In Schaumburg, IL, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,145 (2026 est.). At $51,091, the local median is 8.59% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Schaumburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Schaumburg Welder Pay Compares
Schaumburg median: $51,091/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Schaumburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $52,028 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -8.59% less |
Welders in Schaumburg, IL earn a median of $51,091 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.59% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 1.80% below the Illinois state average of $52,028.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Schaumburg 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.
Schaumburg, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $51,091 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,617 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,839
2025 BLS Actual
$49,131
2026 Current Est.
$51,091
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Schaumburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,839 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,393 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,455 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,734 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,307 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,131 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,091 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,130 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Schaumburg metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $38,839 (2019) to $49,131 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,130 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,291 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Schaumburg 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) | $38,819 – $45,273 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,273 – $51,091 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,091 – $58,532 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,532 – $75,964 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Schaumburg
The job market for welders in Schaumburg currently employs only 13 individuals, illustrating a niche yet focused demand for these skilled workers. With a cost of living index at 97.1, living expenses in Schaumburg are slightly below the national average, which can positively impact take-home purchasing power. Employers such as structural steel fabrication shops, oil and gas pipeline companies, and petrochemical plants typically offer the highest wages in the region. The disparity in salaries often hinges on factors such as certification levels, with 6G pipe and ASME IX welders earning premiums compared to those engaged in standard production welding. Additionally, traveling positions provide a financial edge due to their associated per-diem benefits, which can augment base pay significantly. To maximize earnings, welders in Schaumburg should pursue specialized certifications and consider opportunities in high-demand sectors, thereby positioning themselves favorably in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Schaumburg, 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 $49,131 for weldersin the Schaumburg 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 Schaumburg 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