Can A Welder Afford Rent in Chicago, IL?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 52.9% of gross income.
Chicago rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Illinois state estimate).
About rent and a welder salary
Welder pay tracks the US median household income closely. Pipeline and underwater welders earn materially more. At the national-average welder salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,285 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Illinois cities have lower median rent than Chicago, which improves the affordability math on a welder salary:
Compare with full rent data for Chicago
View full rent data for Chicago, IL →Frequently asked questions
Can a welder afford rent in Chicago, IL?
Median rent in Chicago is $2,311 a month. A typical welder in Illinois earns about $52,438 a year, which makes that rent 52.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a welder afford in Chicago?
Using the 30% rule, a welder salary in Illinois (~$52,438/yr) supports up to $1,311 a month in rent. Chicago's current median rent is $2,311/mo, which is $1,000/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a welder work to cover rent in Chicago?
At an hourly equivalent of about $25 an hour, a welder in Illinois works roughly 91.7 hours a month to cover Chicago's median rent of $2,311.
Where is rent cheaper than Chicago for a welder?
Nearby Illinois cities with lower median rent include Buffalo Grove ($2,310/mo), Streamwood ($2,310/mo), Carpentersville ($2,310/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a welder salary.