Welding is a great career option if you want to become a tradesperson in Illinois. While the state does not require you to have a license to work as a welder, having certain certifications boosts your reputation in the industry and gives you access to more job opportunities with high-paying positions. This article discusses the training you need to become a successful welder in Illinois.
What Does a Welder Do?
Welders are metalworkers. By cutting and joining sheet metal of various sizes and weights, they create equipment that is used by a wide variety of industries.
Construction and manufacturing are the top industries that employ welders in Illinois. You may work in a factory creating pipes or heavy equipment. You can also secure a job as a structural welder with a car manufacturer and construct vehicle frames. Working as an engineer with an aerospace company or finding employment at an oil refinery are other job options for welders in Illinois.
Welding Schools Near Me in Illinois
Although some welding programs in Illinois accept high school students in dual-enrollment classes, most course requirements include a high school diploma or GED certificate. There are numerous schools in Illinois that provide hands-on experience so you can learn the various techniques needed to become a successful welder.
Carl Sandburg College
This school has a comprehensive welding program that features flexible class hours, small class sizes and aid with job placement upon graduation.
- Location: Galesburg
- Phone number: 309-345-3501
- Programs available: AAS in Welding Technology
- Program duration: Two years
- Average cost: $2,100 per year(in-state, in-district)
Environmental Technical Institute
A job placement program and 13,000-square-foot welding laboratory make this school a top choice for aspiring welders in Illinois.
- Location: Willowbrook
- Phone number: 888-830-7678
- Programs available: CCL in Welding Technology
- Program duration: Seven months to one year
- Average cost: $14,085
Danville Area Community College
This school has flexible class hours and offers dual enrollment so students can get on the fast track to a welding career.
- Location: Danville
- Phone number: 217-443-3222
- Programs available: CCL in Welding, CCL in Advanced Welding
- Program duration: One to two years
- Average cost: $5,399 per year (in-state with financial aid)
Welding Career Opportunities in Illinois
Manufacturing is a huge industry in Illinois. Many welders work as fabricators in factories. Car manufacturers hire structural welders to create and repair vehicle frames. Some welders find jobs working in oil refineries, while others work in the aerospace field as engineers.
How Much Do Welders Make in Illinois?
You can expect to make an average wage of $19.50 an hour as a welder in Illinois, although some companies pay experienced welders much more. 10 years of experience qualifies you for an average hourly wage of $22.28.
Major Employers of Welders in Illinois
There’s no shortage of job opportunities for welders in Illinois. A few major welder employers are:
- Bechtel Corporation: With an excellent employee satisfaction rate, this company is one of the top employers for welders in Illinois. Welders earn up to $43.83 per hour.
- Fluor Corporation: This Fortune 500 company has career opportunities around the world. Welders earn an average of $31 per hour.
- Toyota: Working for this popular car manufacturer hires as a structural welder could earn you up to $40.63 per hour.
- Autokiniton: This automative manufacturer offers the best hourly wage for welders in Illinois. Experienced workers can earn $48 per hour.
- McDermott: This engineering company offers welders a competitive salary. Experienced welders can earn an average salary of $86,509 while working for a company with a great work culture.
How To Become a Certified Welder in Idaho
Illinois doesn’t issue welding certifications at the state level. The American Welding Society is responsible for issuing national welding certifications. Requirements to earn your welding certification are straightforward and simple; you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate, and you must have completed an approved welding training program. An approved program can often be completed in less than two years and will teach you a variety of welding techniques that allow you to accomplish different tasks and projects.
Illinois does not require you to be certified to work as a welder. Getting your AWS certification is important, however, because it increases your job opportunities and salary potential.
Do You Need a License To Be a Welder in Illinois?
Illinois does not license welders. Holding an AWS certification allows you to work nationally as a welder and give you additional job opportunities.
Illinois Welding FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Become a Welder?
The time takes to become a welder in Illinois varies depending on which training program you enroll in. Some courses can be completed in as little as seven months, while others take up to two years to finish.
Does a Welder Need Insurance in Illinois?
You are not required to have insurance to work as a welder in Illinois. However, you do need workers’ compensation if you own a welding company with a team of employees. Having commercial liability insurance is also a good idea to protect you when you work as an independent contractor and complete projects for other people.
You can easily request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners using the tool below.
Who Can I Contact If I Have Questions?
If you have additional questions about becoming a welder in Illinois, you can contact the AWS for information regarding the industry as a whole. Individual welding schools can answer questions about specific programs or state welding requirements.
You must have the proper training if you want a successful welding career in Illinois. Start a training program today and be prepared to use welding techniques and equipment in a fun, exciting career.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become a Welder in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in Illinois, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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