Welder Salary in Streamwood, IL: $49,729 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Streamwood, IL earns a median $49,729/year (≈ $23.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Streamwood's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $51,214 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welder salaries in Streamwood, IL, present a varied picture influenced by local market factors and the broader national context. In 2026, welders in this area can expect a median annual salary of $49,729, which reflects a notable gap of 11.03% when compared to the national median of $55,895. The salary range in Streamwood spans from $38,467 at the 10th percentile to $71,095 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential based on skills, certifications, and work environments. These figures have been derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, providing insight into local economic conditions. While local shop pay is lower than that of traveling pipe welders—who benefit from per-diem payments and tax-advantaged income structures—the competition for skilled welders remains strong in the area.
About the Streamwood Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,467 | $18.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,344 | $21.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,729 | $23.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,705 | $28.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,095 | $34.18 |
Median Salary Position
11.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Streamwood
In Streamwood, IL, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,628 (2026 est.). At $49,729, the local median is 11.03% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Streamwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Streamwood Welder Pay Compares
Streamwood median: $49,729/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Streamwood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $52,018 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -11.03% less |
Welders in Streamwood, IL earn a median of $49,729 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.03% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 4.40% below the Illinois state average of $52,018.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Streamwood 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.
Streamwood, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $49,729 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,214 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,803
2025 BLS Actual
$47,821
2026 Current Est.
$49,729
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Streamwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,803 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,316 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,824 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,296 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,542 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,831 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,821 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,729 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,713 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Streamwood metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $37,803 (2019) to $47,821 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,713 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,910 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Streamwood 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) | $38,467 – $44,344 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,344 – $49,729 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,729 – $58,705 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,705 – $71,095 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Streamwood
Evaluating the local job market, Streamwood employs eight welders, a number that hints at a stable but limited market. The area's cost-of-living index of 97.1 suggests that salaries stretch a bit further compared to national averages, although the relative purchasing power is still affected by the lower median pay. Among the potential employers, structural steel fabrication shops and local manufacturing plants are prevalent, though higher wages are often found in specialized sectors such as oil and gas pipeline welding, nuclear power maintenance, or aerospace sectors, where certifications (like 6G pipe) significantly enhance earning potential. The pay spread in Streamwood reflects industry needs and the specific skill sets required, with certifications like ASME IX and the demand for mobile welders often translating to higher wages. For welders looking to maximize their pay in this market, pursuing certifications and considering roles that involve travel or specialized skills—where pay can reach peak levels—is advisable, especially with the ongoing industry demand fueled by an aging workforce expected to create a shortage of skilled professionals.
More salary data for Streamwood, 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 $47,821 for weldersin the Streamwood 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 Streamwood 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