Chicago Welding Jobs Overview
A welder is both a scientist and an artist. They take detailed, technical instructions and use their artistry to create beautiful but functional products. Welders are responsible for 70% of all manufactured products—from cars, buildings, and airplanes to small kitchen appliances. But the U.S. is running short of welders, with industry analysts predicting 400,000 vacant welding jobs that need to be filled over the next few years. Luckily, you can start training to be a welder in a high school vocational-education program and go to work immediately after graduation.
Welders use precision and expert skills to weld various metals and alloys, install piping and equipment, and work with engineers on construction and manufacturing projects. As a welder, you'll also read blueprints, sketches, or specifications; calculate the dimensions of parts; and inspect structures or materials before welding.
You can expand your search for production jobs by checking out these similar positions:
About Working in Chicago, Illinois
If you're going to Chicago to experience "da Bears," deep-dish pizza, and windy streets, native Chicagoans say "fogetta 'bout it!" While these have made Chicago famous, you'll find many locals eating thin-crust, tavern-style pie. Plus, the city isn't on any list of the windiest cities in the U.S.—a local newspaper named it "The Windy City" after the Chicago elite's propensity toward boastfulness and self-promotion. And while the Chicago jobs list (hit jobs, that is) includes notorious mobsters from Chicago like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and Baby Face Nelson, linguists are noticing that the "Chicago accent" is disappearing.
However, there's a reason Condé Nast Traveler has named Chicago the "best big city in the U.S." Chicago is home to top universities, including Northwestern University, Wheaton College, and Valparaiso. And if you're looking for Chicago jobs, you can relocate to any one of the city's unique neighborhoods, such as North Center with its cozy Irish pubs and breweries or Uptown, the lively entertainment district. For those who want to live further out from the city, you can also find jobs in popular suburbs including Cicero, Oak Park, and Evanston.
Update Your Chicago Welding Resume
When looking for a welding job, your first step is to put together a clean and updated resume to highlight your training and job experience. If you're not sure where to begin, we've got you covered. Check out our sample resumes and resume writing tips. You'll find plenty of helpful, straightforward instructions on putting together a resume that gets results. Adding a welder cover letter is a great way to get an employer's attention and let them know that you're serious about your career.
How Much Do Welding Jobs Pay in Chicago, Illinois?
Got money on your mind? You should! Make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth. Our Salary Tools can help you understand what you can expect to make in welding jobs in Chicago, Illinois, as well as the skills that can boost your value and what the next steps in your career might be. Right now, the median welder/ solderer pay in Chicago is $18.04 per hour, which is 3% lower than the national average.
Find Your Next Chicago Welding Job. Monster Can Help Get You Started
Are you prepared for a career in welding? If so, set up your profile on Monster for free and begin clicking on those welding jobs. When you sign up with us, you’ll receive custom job alerts and expert advice on how to negotiate your salary in Chicago, how to nail your job interview, and more.