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Ironworker Salary in Waukegan, IL

How much does a ironworker make in Waukegan? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Waukegan's cost of living.

Median Salary
$58,488
per year in Waukegan
Entry Level
$30,636
Starting salary
Senior Level
$81,698
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
98
2% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how ironworker salaries break down across different pay periods in Waukegan.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$30,636$58,488$81,698
Monthly$2,553$4,874$6,808
Biweekly$1,178$2,250$3,142
Weekly$589$1,125$1,571
Hourly$15$28$39

Waukegan vs National Average

How Waukegan's ironworker salaries compare to national figures.

Waukegan Salary
$58,488
COL Index: 98
National Average
$56,840
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$1,648
Higher in Waukegan

Cost of Living in Waukegan

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,100
per month
Median Income
$48,920
per year
Population
89,321
residents
Rent % of Income
27.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 98 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Waukegan have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Ironworker

Overview

Assemble and erect structural steel and reinforced concrete.

Education

High school diploma; apprenticeship required

Key Skills

Steel WorkSafetyRiggingHeight Work

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +12% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Ironworker Salary

See Ironworker salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$92,980
+59%
Los Angeles, CA
$64,480
+10%
Chicago, IL
$93,190
+59%
Houston, TX
$50,610
-13%
Phoenix, AZ
$67,010
+15%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Ironworker Salary in Waukegan, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a ironworker in Waukegan, IL is $58,488 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 98. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Waukegan's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level ironworker professionals in Waukegan can expect to earn around $30,636 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level ironworkers earning approximately $81,698 per year. This represents a 167% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Waukegan's cost of living index of 98 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Waukegan are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $56,840, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a ironworker's salary in Waukegan typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 22.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Ironworkers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 12% over the next decade. In Waukegan, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.