How Much Do Welders Make in Illinois

Welders in Illinois make an average of $41,000 per year.

How Much Do Welders Make in Illinois

Welders are in high demand all over the country, and Illinois is no exception. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how much welders make in Illinois and what factors might affect their wages. We’ll also explore some of the most common welding jobs in the state. So if you’re thinking about becoming a welder, read on!

How Much Do Welders Make in Illinois – The Average

Welders in Illinois make an average of $41,000 per year, which is slightly higher than the national average. However, there are a number of factors that can affect how much welders make in Illinois. For example, welding jobs that require more specialized skills typically pay more than those that don’t. Additionally, welders who live in larger cities typically make more than those who live in smaller towns.

Despite these variations, the average salary for a welder in Illinois is still relatively high compared to other states. This makes it a great career choice for anyone who wants to make a good living while working with their hands. So if you’re interested in becoming a welder, be sure to do your research and find out what the average salary is in your area.

These are the reason’s why the average welding salary in Illinois fluctuates;

– The type of welding job

– Location

– Years of experience

– Certification level

Types of Welders in Illinois and their Average Salary

There are a variety of welding jobs in Illinois, and each one pays a different wage. Some of the most common welding jobs in the state are:

  • Pipe welders: These welders specialize in welding pipes and tubes. They typically make around $47,000 per year.
  • Structural welders: These welders work on metal structures, such as bridges and buildings. They typically make around $43,000 per year.
  • Automotive welders: These welders work on cars and other vehicles. They typically make around $37,000 per year.
  • Underwater weldersThese welders work on welding underwater, usually boats and vessels. They typically make $60,000 per year.

Each of these welding jobs requires different skills and experience, so it’s important to do your research before choosing a career path. The wages listed above are just a general guide, so be sure to consult with local welding companies to get an idea of what you can expect to earn.

How to Become a Welder in Illinois

Welders are in high demand all over the country, and Illinois is no exception.

The best way to become a general welder is to get certified and gain experience through a welding apprenticeship program. There are a number of schools throughout Illinois that offer these programs, so be sure to do your research and find one that’s right for you. There are a number of different certification levels, so be sure to choose one that’s appropriate for your skills and experience. Once you have your certification, you can start looking for welding jobs in Illinois. Below are the steps to take to becoming a welder in Illinois.

Find an Accredited Technical College

If you’re looking to become a certified welder in the state of Illinois, there are many technical colleges that offer great welding programs. Once you find the most suitable one for your needs, you can begin your journey to certification.

The following details are important to consider when choosing a college for your welding certification:

  • The college should have a good reputation in the industry.
  • Ideally, it should have been operational for at least two years.
  • It should be legally accredited to offer welding courses.
  • Fees should be within your means.
  • What type of technology do they have for learning? Is it state-of-the art or old school?
  • Do they have the welding speciality programs you are looking to do?

You can do some research online to find out what people think about the college you are interested in. If possible, try and find past and current students of the program and pick their brains on how the program is and if they believe they are receiving adequate training.

Welding Program Requirements

Once you identify which program you are looking to attend, you will want to take a look at the requirements in order to get into that college. Here are some requirements to look out for:

  • Fees to join the program
  • High school GPA minimum
  • At least 18 years of age

Welding program requirements are often minimal and mostly anyone who graduates from high school can become one.

Pre-Entry Test For Welding Programs

For some colleges, the ones that are more well known, you are sometimes required to complete a entry test that tests your skills.

The skill level assessment is used to determine your suitability for welding. The test is comprised of basic math, blueprint reading as well as welding basics.

Pay Welding Program Fees

After you get accepted, you will need to pay for your course fees. The fees are vastly different from college to college so you will need to do some research on the ones you are interested in to ensure you can afford it. You should expect to pay anywhere from $2,800 per year to $20,000.

If you believe you are going to be unable to pay for the courses, you can take a look at some grants online or take out a student loan to help cover the costs.

Earning Your CW Certificate

Once you pass you college certificate, you can apply to get your CW certificate from the American Welding Society. In order to get this you would need to look up where the Illinois testing facilities are and book one of the upcoming tests they have.

Once you book, you will be given a date for an inspector to come to your school and carry out an assessment on your welding skills. Based on the results, they will send the details on how you did to AWS. Once the details have been received, they will ship out your certificate in the mail. Usually it will take 4-6 weeks to be delivered to your address.

The testing does not stop there, every 6 months, you need to submit your testing to ensure you are following protocol. If you do not do this, your CW certificate will not remain valid.

Last Thoughts on Welding in Illinois

Welders in Illinois can expect to make a good living, as the average salary is around $40,000. In order to become a welder in Illinois, one needs to find an accredited technical college and complete a welding program. After graduation, one can apply for a CW certificate from the American Welding Society.

With the right training and experience, you can become a successful general welder in Illinois!