Can A Welder Afford Rent in Waterloo, IL?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 30.9% of gross income.
Waterloo rent: January 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 Waterloo, which improves the affordability math on a welder salary:
Compare with full rent data for Waterloo
View full rent data for Waterloo, IL →Frequently asked questions
Can a welder afford rent in Waterloo, IL?
Median rent in Waterloo is $1,350 a month. A typical welder in Illinois earns about $52,438 a year, which makes that rent 30.9% 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 Waterloo?
Using the 30% rule, a welder salary in Illinois (~$52,438/yr) supports up to $1,311 a month in rent. Waterloo's current median rent is $1,350/mo, which is $39/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a welder work to cover rent in Waterloo?
At an hourly equivalent of about $25 an hour, a welder in Illinois works roughly 53.5 hours a month to cover Waterloo's median rent of $1,350.
Where is rent cheaper than Waterloo for a welder?
Nearby Illinois cities with lower median rent include Swansea ($1,349/mo), Champaign ($1,348/mo), Cicero ($1,345/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a welder salary.