Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers salary in Illinois
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers in Illinois earn a median of $51,320 a year ($24.67 an hour), based on BLS data for 16,260 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,890 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,730 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $53,750. Illinois ranks 34th of 51 states for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers pay. There are 2.7 welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $55,930, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in Illinois
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,890 | $18.70 |
| 25th percentile | $46,500 | $22.36 |
| Median | $51,320 | $24.67 |
| 75th percentile | $61,520 | $29.58 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $76,730 | $36.89 |
| Average (mean) | $55,930 | $26.89 |
Half of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,276.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,138.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,973.85 |
| Weekly | $986.92 |
| Hourly | $24.67 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $51,320 salary, see how much house you can afford in Illinois at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers salary in cities in Illinois
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Peoria, IL | $58,960 | 1,230 |
| Decatur, IL | $57,670 | 200 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $52,650 | 9,320 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $51,640 | 2,820 |
| Rockford, IL | $50,200 | 870 |
| Springfield, IL | $49,860 | 100 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $48,630 | 1,240 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | $48,610 | 100 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $48,580 | 170 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | $48,560 | 310 |
| Kankakee, IL | $47,460 | 230 |
| Bloomington, IL | $47,180 | 70 |
Highest-paying states for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $80,840 |
| Hawaii | $79,000 |
| Connecticut | $64,880 |
| Wyoming | $63,820 |
| Washington | $63,020 |
| Massachusetts | $62,570 |
| New Hampshire | $62,360 |
| Louisiana | $62,250 |
| Maine | $62,220 |
| North Dakota | $62,000 |
See Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers pay in every state.
Related jobs in Illinois
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 51-4121. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers make in Illinois?
The median salary for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in Illinois is $51,320 a year, or $24.67 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,890 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,730 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers make in Illinois?
The top 10% of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in Illinois earn at least $76,730 a year. The top 25% earn $61,520 or more.
What is the starting pay for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers in Illinois?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,890 a year, and a quarter of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers earn $46,500 or less.
How many welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers work in Illinois?
About 16,260 welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers are employed in Illinois, not counting the self-employed.