TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Welder Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$46,092/yr
Typical range: $45,286 – $53,366
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Welder salary by experience level in Chicago
Welder Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $46,092 | $3,841 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $55,055 | $4,588 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $61,030 | $5,086 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $66,834 | $5,570 | +45% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $78,101 | $6,508 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $86,295 | $7,191 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $88,343 | $7,362 | +92% |
Current Salary
$46,092
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $22/hr
Next Level Target
$55,055
Junior · 2
+$9Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
30/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Welder salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Welders in Chicago, IL earn approximately $46K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Welder make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $46K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $22/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Welder in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Welder in Chicago, IL earns $77K–$90K/yr.