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Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Salary in Chicago, IL

BLS Official DataUpdated 2025-05-31
Median Annual

$52,650

Mean: $56,180

~$41,067 est. take-home

Hourly Rate

$25.31

Based on 2,080 hrs/yr

Cost of Living

100

100 = national avg

B

Affordable

Affordability score: 77/100

Monthly surplus

$1,125/mo

Savings rate

31%

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers salary in Chicago, IL — median $52,650/year, range $46,270-$61,750

Salary Distribution

Where the median falls between the 25th and 75th percentile.

25th %

$46,270

Median

$52,650

75th %

$61,750

Median is in the 41th percentile of the typical range

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in other IL cities

Compare the same occupation across cities in IL.

About Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers salaries in Chicago, IL

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Chicago, IL earn a median of $52,650 per year, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. The mean salary is $56,180, which tends to skew higher because a small number of high earners pull the average up.

Most welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in this area earn between $46,270 and $61,750. Where you land depends on experience, employer type, and whether you have in-demand specializations.

That works out to roughly $25.31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual hourly pay may differ for part-time or contract roles.

Career Outlook

2% growthSlower than average (BLS 2024–2034)

2% growth. Routine production welding is being automated, but skilled welders for infrastructure, shipbuilding, and aerospace aren't easily replaced. The supply of experienced welders is shrinking as older workers retire.

Worth knowing: Underwater welders can earn $100K–$200K, but it's physically demanding and dangerous. More realistically, pipe welding and TIG certifications add $10–$15/hour to your rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in Chicago?

The median — where half earn more and half earn less — is $52,650. The average (mean) is $56,180, which is higher because top earners pull it up.

How much does a welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers make per hour in Chicago?

About $25.31/hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Part-time or overtime hours will change the actual rate.

What is the salary range for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in Chicago?

The middle 50% earn between $46,270 and $61,750. Below $46,270 is typically entry-level; above $61,750 usually means significant experience or specialized skills.

Salary Conversion Table

How does $52,650 per year break down across different time periods?

PeriodGrossEst. Take-Home
Yearly$52,650$41,067
Monthly$4,388$3,422
Biweekly$2,025$1,580
Weekly$1,013$790
Hourly (40h/wk)$25.31$19.74
Hourly (35h/wk)$28.93$22.56
Hourly (30h/wk)$33.75$26.33
Daily (8h)$203$158

Take-home estimates use an effective tax rate of 22%. Actual amounts vary by filing status, deductions, and state tax.

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers: Highest-Paying Cities in the U.S.

Top 10 cities nationwide for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers, based on BLS median salary data.

Related Occupations in Chicago

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