Welder Career Guide in Illinois
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Illinois.
Career Guide Navigation
How to Become a Welder in Illinois
Welders in Illinois commonly prepare through a technical college certificate, community college program, apprenticeship, union training, military training, or supervised employer instruction. Training typically covers blueprint reading, welding symbols, joint preparation, metallurgy, measurement, fabrication, safety, and processes such as SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW.
Employers may require a hands-on welding performance test for the process, position, material, thickness, and welding code used on the job. AWS credentials can improve employment portability, but they do not automatically replace employer- or project-specific qualification.
Most welders in Illinois receive training through community colleges, trade schools, apprenticeship programs, or employer-sponsored training. Programs cover welding processes, blueprint reading, metallurgy, fabrication methods, welding inspection basics, and workplace safety standards.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Welder Salary in Illinois
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Illinois median wage for welder workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $51,000, the median wage in Illinois is approximately $1,270 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in Illinois
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONWelder Training Requirements in Illinois
Illinois does not establish one statewide education or apprenticeship route for all welders. Employers may require technical-school instruction, apprenticeship experience, prior fabrication work, and a hands-on performance test.
Structural and transportation projects may require qualification under AWS D1.1, AWS D1.5, or another applicable code. The contractor normally provides documentation showing that the welder is qualified for the proposed process, weld type, and position.
Technical Welding Education
Many welders begin through certificate or diploma programs that teach MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux-Cored welding techniques.
Hands-On Shop Training
Students gain practical experience using fabrication equipment, welding stations, cutting tools, and inspection procedures.
Industry Certifications
Many employers prefer candidates who earn American Welding Society (AWS) certifications and demonstrate proficiency in multiple welding processes.
Specialized Welding Skills
Experienced welders often pursue advanced qualifications in structural steel, industrial fabrication, pipe welding, and heavy manufacturing.
Welder Training Providers in Illinois
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| College of DuPage | Glen Ellyn | View Program |
| College of DuPage | Joliet | View Program |
| Illinois Central College | East Peoria | View Program |
| Lincoln Land Community College | Springfield | View Program |
| Rock Valley College | Rockford | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESWelder Apprenticeship Programs in Illinois
Welder Licensing Requirements in Illinois
Illinois does not require a statewide welder license for most welding occupations. However, employers frequently require American Welding Society (AWS) certifications, particularly in manufacturing, construction, steel fabrication, and industrial maintenance. Certain projects may require additional welding procedure qualifications and testing.
Illinois does not require a general statewide personal occupational license for ordinary welder employment. Welding qualification is commonly determined by the employer, contractor, project owner, and applicable construction code.
IDOT and other public-project specifications may require documented AWS qualification for structural welding. Local building requirements may also apply depending on the jurisdiction and type of structure.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in Illinois
Illinois continues to experience steady demand for welders due to its manufacturing base, commercial construction market, transportation infrastructure projects, steel fabrication industry, and industrial maintenance sector. Opportunities are strongest in Chicago, Rockford, Joliet, Peoria, and Springfield.
Illinois projects employment for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers to grow by approximately 5% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,680 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the welder salary in Illinois?
The statewide median wage for welders in Illinois is approximately $49,730 per year, or $23.91 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Illinois require welder licensing?
Licensing or credential requirements for welder workers in Illinois are primarily employer-specific. Employers may require particular certifications, training, driving credentials, or documented experience.
How long does it take to become a welder in Illinois?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 6 Months–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are welders in demand in Illinois?
Illinois projects welder employment to grow by approximately 5% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,680 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Illinois Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Illinois Welder Wages
- Illinois Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Illinois Welder Employment Trends
- Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) — Licensing authority. Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)