Welder Salary in Waukegan, IL: $52,101 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Waukegan, IL earns a median $52,101/year (≈ $25.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Waukegan's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $53,657 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Waukegan's welder salary trends for 2026 reflect an intriguing intersection between traveling pipe welder compensation and local shop pay. As estimations predict a median annual salary of $52,101, this figure contrasts with the national median of $55,895, revealing a slight local disadvantage of about 6.79%. The salary range for welders in the area spans from $37,106 at the 10th percentile to an upper limit of $77,748 for the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price concerns, indicate that while there are opportunities for substantial earnings, many local welders might need to seek more lucrative roles or specialized skills to maximize their income potential. The job market in Waukegan shows promise, yet welders are encouraged to consider traveling positions to enhance their paychecks significantly.
About the Waukegan Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,106 | $17.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,266 | $21.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,101 | $25.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,880 | $29.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,748 | $37.37 |
Median Salary Position
6.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukegan
In Waukegan, IL, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,642 (2026 est.). At $52,101, the local median is 6.79% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waukegan: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waukegan Welder Pay Compares
Waukegan median: $52,101/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukegan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $52,049 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | -6.79% less |
Welders in Waukegan, IL earn a median of $52,101 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.79% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 0.10% above the Illinois state average of $52,049.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukegan 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.
Waukegan, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $52,101 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,657 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,606
2025 BLS Actual
$50,102
2026 Current Est.
$52,101
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,606 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,191 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,819 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,313 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,618 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,399 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,102 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,101 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,180 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukegan metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $39,606 (2019) to $50,102 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,180 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,574 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukegan 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) | $37,106 – $44,266 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,266 – $52,101 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,101 – $60,880 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,880 – $77,748 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Waukegan
The local job market for welders in Waukegan remains relatively small but stable, with only 18 welders currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 97.1, suggesting a slightly lower overall living expense compared to national averages. This factor can be advantageous for welders whose negotiated salaries offer more purchasing power. Among local employers, the highest-paying positions tend to be found in structural steel fabrication and specialized trades like oil and gas pipeline welding. Factors driving discrepancies in pay range from certification levels—those holding a 6G pipe certification often earn more than structural welders—to the impact of traveling versus local jobs, where per-diem benefits can significantly enhance total earnings. Additionally, sectors like nuclear maintenance and underwater welding command top-tier payouts due to the specialized skills required. Welders aiming to maximize their earnings in Waukegan should focus on acquiring certifications, targeting high-demand industries, and considering travel assignments to capitalize on more favorable compensation opportunities.
More salary data for Waukegan, 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 $50,102 for weldersin the Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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