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Welder Salary in Galesburg, IL

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

Median Salary
$51,599
per year in Galesburg
Entry Level
$27,206
Starting salary
Senior Level
$71,300
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
76
24% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how welder salaries break down across different pay periods in Galesburg.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$27,206$51,599$71,300
Monthly$2,267$4,300$5,942
Biweekly$1,046$1,985$2,742
Weekly$523$992$1,371
Hourly$13$25$34

Galesburg vs National Average

How Galesburg's welder salaries compare to national figures.

Galesburg Salary
$51,599
COL Index: 76
National Average
$64,660
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$13,061
Lower in Galesburg

Cost of Living in Galesburg

1-Bedroom Rent
$580
per month
Median Income
$36,821
per year
Population
30,605
residents
Rent % of Income
18.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 76 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Galesburg have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Welder

Overview

Join metal parts using welding techniques and equipment.

Education

High school diploma; welding certification required

Key Skills

Welding TechniquesMetal WorkSafetyBlueprint Reading

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +11% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Welder Salary

See Welder salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$60,840
+18%
Los Angeles, CA
$58,200
+13%
Chicago, IL
$50,700
-2%
Houston, TX
$53,810
+4%
Phoenix, AZ
$54,650
+6%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Welder Salary in Galesburg, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a welder in Galesburg, IL is $51,599 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 76. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Galesburg's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level welder professionals in Galesburg can expect to earn around $27,206 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level welders earning approximately $71,300 per year. This represents a 162% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Galesburg's cost of living index of 76 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Galesburg are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $64,660, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a welder's salary in Galesburg typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $580 per month, housing represents about 13.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Welders are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 11% over the next decade. In Galesburg, 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.