Senior Welder Salary in Quincy, IL: $71,990 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of welders working in Quincy, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $71,990/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 51-4121. Strip back Quincy's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $74,140 in average-cost America. The 43% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Quincy, Illinois, the earnings potential for senior welders is noteworthy, particularly at the top tier of pay. In 2026, seasoned professionals can anticipate an impressive $71,990 as the P90 salary for experienced welders, a figure that notably exceeds the local median of $50,487 by a significant margin. This experience premium highlights the lucrative opportunities available for those who accumulate at least seven years in the field. Achieving this level of pay typically requires specialized skills, industry certifications such as AWS qualifications, and potential roles in demanding sectors like pipeline welding or aerospace. Thus, dedicated professionals willing to invest in further education and training can position themselves favorably in Quincy’s competitive labor market.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Quincy
Experienced welders at the top of the pay scale in Quincy earn between $59,334 and $71,990 per year (2026 est.). This $35,847 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Quincy median of $50,487 sits 9.68% below the US median.
Top WLD Salary Comparison
| Level | Quincy | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $50,487 | $55,895 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,334 | $65,524 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $71,990 | $80,623 |
In Quincy, experienced welders (P90) earn 42.59% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Welder Pay in Quincy
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL welders with additional specialty certifications within the welding field earn significantly above the $50,487 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Quincy employers.
Specialty Focus
Welders focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the welding field in Quincy command premium compensation, often reaching the $59,334–$71,990 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Quincy metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced welders who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured welders in Quincy with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Welders in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Welder Career & Wage Growth Path in Quincy
Clinical Welder
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Welder
5-10 yearsWelder Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedQuincy ranks #35 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner welder salary (90th percentile: $71,990).
Top 10% welder compensation in Quincy ($71,990) is 6.63% below the Illinois average P90 ($77,104).
2019 BLS Actual
$57,361
2025 BLS Actual
$69,228
2026 Current Est.
$71,990
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,361 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,156 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,843 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,388 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,156 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,306 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,228 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,990 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,863 | Projected |
Top-earning welders (90th percentile) in Quincy saw their compensation grow 20.7% from $57,361 in 2019 to $69,228 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.99% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $74,863 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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.
Maximizing Your Welder Earnings in Quincy
Compensation for senior welders in Quincy diverges significantly depending on specialization and the type of employer. Within this area, niche skills such as TIG welding for aluminum in aerospace applications or pipe welding for oil and gas pipelines can yield substantially higher earnings. Those working with structural components, especially certified under AWS D1.1, are also positioned to command a prime pay rate. Employers may include structural steel fabrication shops and petrochemical facilities for turnaround projects, where premium pay is often tied to the urgency and complexity of the work. Moreover, career progression paths—ranging from production welder to CWI certification—can enhance job prospects and salary ranges. Advanced certifications like 6G pipe welding and NQA-1 can further improve wage potential, while other factors, such as staying local versus traveling for work, can contribute significantly to overall compensation with added per diem options.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced welders make in Quincy in 2026?
What drives higher welder pay in Quincy?
What certifications boost welder salary in Quincy?
Can experienced welders make six figures in Quincy?
How much does welder salary increase over time in Quincy?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $69,228 for welders in the Quincy metro area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy 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