Trades & Labor Wisconsin (WI) Rank #35 of 50

Welder Salary in Wisconsin

The median welder salary in Wisconsin is $43,249 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $47,010.

Median Salary
$43,249
vs National
$-3,761
State Rank
#35 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Welder Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #35 out of 50 states for welder compensation. Welder salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $43,249 per year, welders in Wisconsin earn $3,761 less than the national median of $47,010.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $43,249 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $47,010 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: welders at the 10th percentile earn $30,544, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $65,136 — a $34,592 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $47,010.

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for welders across the country.

Welder Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level welder earns around $29,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,560 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,440
$-2,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,160
$-3,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,560
$-5,440 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $43,249? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $30,544
25th Percentile $35,696
Median (50th) $43,249
75th Percentile $53,544
90th Percentile $65,136

Welder Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for welders in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Welder in Wisconsin

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Wisconsin has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Wisconsin's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 427,300 other Welders.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Welder Roles in Wisconsin?

Get matched with recruiters hiring welders in Wisconsin at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Welder make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median welder salary in Wisconsin is $43,249 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $30,544 (10th percentile) to $65,136 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,249, a welder in Wisconsin earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for welders? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #35 out of 50 states for welder pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level welders earn $29,440, while senior professionals earn $62,560.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for welder salary? ▼
The highest paying state for welders is Hawaii at $83,678. Wisconsin's median of $43,249 ranks #35 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Indiana ($43,249) and North Carolina ($43,249).
What is the entry-level welder salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level welder in Wisconsin earns approximately $29,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $44,160. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $62,560.
What city in Wisconsin pays welders the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for welders, with a median salary of $47,010. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.