TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Welder Salary in Chicago
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$66,834/yr
Typical range: $76,794 – $90,494
P75 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| SeniorThis page | 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
$66,834
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $32/hr
Next Level Target
$78,101
Staff · 10
+$11Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
30/100
High Risk
+3% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Welder salary in Chicago, IL?
Senior Welders in Chicago, IL earn approximately $67K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Welder make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $67K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $32/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Welder in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Welder in Chicago, IL earns $77K–$90K/yr.