Welding Classes in Illinois (Top Schools)

People from Illinois who like working outdoors while using their hands can consider becoming welders.

You need to join a good training program before starting.

We did some research and put together a list of some schools in this state, along with some extra information that we hope you’ll find useful.

Duties of a Welder in Illinois

The basic duties of a welder are knowing how to use a variety of tools and heat, to fuse two or more pieces of metal together.

The task is not as easy as it sounds, as you’ll see below.

Main Responsibilities

Below you’ll find the most important responsibilities, though keep in mind the list is not complete:

• Analyzing blueprints, sketches
• Reading and correctly following instructions
• Studying the structure and materials to select the correct methodology for an outstanding job.
• This is because there are about 100 welding methods, with the most popular being gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding and shielded metal arc welding.
• Selecting the correct tools for the chosen method, including a combination of them.
• Maintaining of the tools and the workspace, according to the standards.

Why Should You Become a Welder

Welders can really take pride in their work, especially when seeing their work through the city.

It’s a job for those who like to use their hands and spend time outdoors.

You can work on impressive structures such as bridges, buildings or towers.

The employment outlook for this occupation is currently quite promising.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects there will be at least 6% more new jobs for welders by 2026.

All welders have the following attributes:

• Physical force and endurance
• Meticulous
• Adroitness in using the hands
• Positional awareness skills

Average Salary for a Welder in Illinois

A welder from Illinois earns on average $40,731 per year or $19.58 per hour.

This salary is higher than the median salary across the country.

The average earnings of a welder at a national level are $39,533 per year or $19.01 per hour.

The top 10% of welders in Illinois earn about $46,794 per year, while the same segment at national level earns $45,418 per year.

Regional Salary

Find Employment in Illinois

There are many employment options for welders in Illinois.

The job offers are in fields such as:

• Bridges and buildings construction sites
• Aerospace applications
• Manufacturing
• Shipbuilding
• Gas and oil field power plants and refineries
• Auto and motorcycle fabrication and repair

Getting Your Certification at a Welding School

Here’s where you’ll find the best welding schools in Illinois.

The American Welding Society’s SENSE Accreditation Program approved each school on the list below.

Most schools provide training in most common welding methods.

These methods are Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG) and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (stick).

The high school diploma or GED are the most common requirements to get enrolled in these schools.

You’ll find a few schools that accept those who only finished the 10th grade.

The information above might change, so it’s best to re-check it when making up your mind.

Other Career Options for a Welder

As mentioned, there are plenty of fields where you could find employment as a welder.

Here are a few options:

• Making boilers
• Working with sheet metal
• Plumber
• Fitter for pipes
• Steamfitter

Welding Schools by City

• Chicago10 Schools

This page is also available in Spanish.