welder salary in wisconsin (2026)
Wisconsin welders earn a median of $47,940 per year in 2026 — +2% versus the national median of $47,000. The gap reflects wisconsin's market dynamics: manufacturing heritage, dairy processing, biotech.
But Wisconsin isn't one market. Wages vary significantly across metros. Here's the full breakdown.
welder salary by city in wisconsin
Salary varies considerably across Wisconsin metros, driven by construction activity, industrial sector concentration, and union density.
| city | median salary | vs. WI median | key driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Milwaukee | $52,640 | +10% | manufacturing, healthcare, brewing, union-heavy |
| 2 Madison | $49,350 | +3% | government, university, biotech, tech |
| 3 Green Bay | $43,240 | -10% | paper, food processing, logistics |
| 4 Kenosha | $46,060 | -4% | manufacturing, Amazon, suburban Chicago |
| 5 Racine | $44,650 | -7% | manufacturing, healthcare, S.C. Johnson |
| 6 Appleton | $42,300 | -12% | paper, healthcare, light manufacturing |
| 7 Waukesha | $46,060 | -4% | suburban Milwaukee, manufacturing, healthcare |
Wisconsin market note: Madison's biotech and government construction, combined with Milwaukee's manufacturing revival, make Wisconsin a steady market for skilled trades.
what moves your salary in wisconsin
taxes and take-home pay
Wisconsin has a graduated income tax up to 7.65%. Milwaukee union wages partially offset the state's relatively high tax burden.
union vs. non-union
Wisconsin has a moderate union presence, concentrated in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Building Trades Council is active in commercial construction.
licensing
To work legally as a licensed welder in Wisconsin, you'll need to meet requirements set by the Wisconsin Dept of Safety and Professional Services. This typically includes documented apprenticeship hours, passing a written trade exam, and ongoing continuing education. Each license level unlocks higher-paying work — especially the jump to journeyman, which allows independent work on permitted jobs.
how wisconsin compares to other states
| state | median salary | vs. wisconsin | note |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $66,700 | +39% | 9.3% state income tax |
| New York | $58,400 | +22% | NYC drives wages up; high COL |
| Illinois | $56,200 | +17% | Chicago union rates |
| Texas | $52,800 | +10% | no state income tax |
| Wisconsin | $47,940 | — | moderate COL; steady demand |
| National median | $47,010 | -2% | BLS OEWS 2024 |
| Florida | $45,200 | -6% | no state income tax, lower COL |
is welder a good career in wisconsin right now?
Madison's biotech and government construction, combined with Milwaukee's manufacturing revival, make Wisconsin a steady market for skilled trades. BLS projects 3% job growth for welders nationally through 2032, and Wisconsin tracks at or above that rate given its market conditions.
Hardhat's AI survival score for welders is 68/100 — the physical, site-specific, judgment-intensive nature of this work makes it genuinely difficult to automate. The job is not going anywhere.
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How much does a Welder make in Wisconsin?
Welders in Wisconsin earn a median of $47,940 per year in 2026, ranging from around $35,475 for apprentices to $74,307 or more for licensed journeymen and contractors.
What city in Wisconsin pays welders the most?
Milwaukee pays the highest welder salaries in Wisconsin — around $52,640 median — driven by manufacturing, healthcare, brewing, union-heavy.
Do you need a license to be a welder in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin requires licensure through the Wisconsin Dept of Safety and Professional Services. Requirements include documented experience, passing a written trade exam, and in many cases continuing education hours.
Is there demand for welders in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin's welder market is driven by manufacturing heritage, dairy processing, biotech. BLS projects 3% national job growth through 2032, and Wisconsin consistently matches or exceeds that pace.
How long does it take to become a welder in Wisconsin?
Typically 1–3 years — trade school plus the apprenticeship hours required to sit for the journeyman exam. Licensing is handled by the Wisconsin Dept of Safety and Professional Services.
welder salary in other states
other trades in wisconsin