Welder Jobs in Illinois: Salary and Requirements

Alamu TosinOctober 29, 2023

Welders are skilled tradespeople who use heat to join metal pieces together. They use a variety of welding techniques, such as arc welding, gas welding, and resistance welding, to create strong and durable welds. Welders work in a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and transportation.

Types of Welding Jobs in Illinois

There are many different types of welding jobs in Illinois. Some of the most common types of welding jobs include:

Structural Welder: Structural welders join metal structures together, such as bridges, buildings, and ships.
Pipe Welder: Pipe welders join metal pipes together, such as those used in plumbing and heating systems.
Sheet Metal Welder: Sheet metal welders join thin metal sheets together, such as those used in car bodies and appliances.
Underwater Welder: Underwater welders join metal structures together underwater, such as oil rigs and shipwrecks.
Aerospace Welder: Aerospace welders join metal components together in aircraft and spacecraft.

Salary for Welders in Illinois

The average salary for welders in Illinois is $39,975 per year. Entry-level welders typically earn around $35,100 per year, while experienced welders can earn up to $51,262 per year. The highest paying cities for welders in Illinois are Decatur, Aurora, and Morton.

Requirements for Welder Jobs in Illinois

The requirements for welder jobs in Illinois vary depending on the type of welding job. However, most welder jobs require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some welder jobs may also require additional training or certification.

Education and Training

There are many different ways to get the training you need to become a welder. You can attend a vocational school, community college, or university. You can also learn to weld through an apprenticeship program.

Certifications

Many welder jobs require certification from a professional organization, such as the American Welding Society (AWS). AWS certification demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform a specific welding job.

Skills and Experience

Welders need to have a variety of skills, including:

Manual dexterity
Good eyesight
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to read and understand blueprints
Ability to follow safety procedures

How to Find Welder Jobs in Illinois

There are a number of ways to find welder jobs in Illinois. You can search for welder jobs online, through temp agencies, or by networking with other welders.

Online Job Boards

Many online job boards list welder jobs in Illinois. Some popular online job boards include Indeed, Monster, and CareerBuilder.

Temp Agencies

Temp agencies can help you find welder jobs in Illinois. Temp agencies typically have a network of employers who are looking for welders on a temporary basis.

Networking

Networking with other welders is a great way to find welder jobs in Illinois. You can network with other welders at trade shows, online forums, and local welding unions.

Tips for Getting a Welder Job in Illinois

Here are a few tips for getting a welder job in Illinois:

Get the Right Training and Certifications

The first step to getting a welder job in Illinois is to get the right training and certifications. As mentioned above, most welder jobs require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some welder jobs may also require additional training or certification.

If you choose to attend a vocational school or community college, you will typically complete a welding program that lasts one to two years. During your welding program, you will learn about different welding techniques, safety procedures, and how to read and understand blueprints.

If you choose to complete an apprenticeship program, you will work with an experienced welder for a period of two to four years. During your apprenticeship, you will learn the skills you need to become a welder while also earning a wage.

Once you have completed your training, you may want to consider getting certified by a professional organization, such as the American Welding Society (AWS). AWS certification demonstrates that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform a specific welding job.

Build Your Experience

The more experience you have as a welder, the more competitive you will be in the job market. You can build your experience by working as a welder’s apprentice or by volunteering to weld on projects in your community.

You can also build your experience by taking on freelance welding jobs. There are many websites where you can find freelance welding jobs.

Network with Other Welders

Networking with other welders is a great way to find welder jobs in Illinois. You can network with other welders at trade shows, online forums, and local welding unions.

Attending trade shows is a great way to learn about the latest welding technologies and to meet potential employers. Online forums are also a great way to connect with other welders and to learn about job openings.

Local welding unions can help you find welder jobs in Illinois. Welding unions typically have a network of employers who are looking for welders.

Prepare for Your Job Interview

Once you have found a welder job that you are interested in, you will need to prepare for your job interview. Here are a few tips for preparing for your welder job interview:

Research the company and the specific welding job that you are interviewing for.
Dress professionally for your job interview.
Be prepared to answer common welder job interview questions.
Bring a copy of your resume and any relevant certifications to your job interview.

Conclusion

If you are interested in a rewarding career with a good salary, welder jobs in Illinois may be a good option for you. To learn more about welder jobs in Illinois, you can visit the website of the Illinois Department of Labor.

FAQs

What is the job outlook for welders in Illinois?

The job outlook for welders in Illinois is good. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers will grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

What are the benefits of working as a welder in Illinois?

There are many benefits to working as a welder in Illinois. Welders typically earn a good salary and have good job security. Welders also have the opportunity to work on a variety of interesting and challenging projects.

What are the challenges of working as a welder in Illinois?

One of the challenges of working as a welder in Illinois is that the job can be physically demanding. Welders often work in hot and noisy environments. Welders also need to be able to lift and move heavy objects.

How can I advance my career as a welder in Illinois?

There are a number of ways to advance your career as a welder in Illinois. You can get additional training or certification in specialized welding techniques. You can also move into a supervisory or management position.

What are some common misconceptions about welder jobs?

One common misconception about welder jobs is that they are all the same. However, there are many different types of welder jobs, each with its own unique requirements.

Another common misconception about welder jobs is that they are all dangerous. However, welder jobs are relatively safe when proper safety precautions are taken.