Welders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers Salary in Wisconsin

Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers in Wisconsin earn a median salary of $55,630 annually or $26.74 per hour, which is $4,630 above the national median of $51,000. Entry-level welders (10th percentile) start around $46,270, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) can earn up to $64,960. Pay varies significantly based on specialization, with underwater welders and aerospace welders commanding premium rates. Union membership, particularly with the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, typically increases wages by 15-25%. Metro areas like Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis and Madison offer higher salaries due to increased industrial activity and cost of living. Specialized certifications from AWS (American Welding Society) can boost earnings by $3,000-$8,000 annually. Wisconsin's strong manufacturing sector, including heavy machinery, automotive parts, and shipbuilding along the Great Lakes, creates steady demand for skilled welders. The state's cost of living factor of 0.932 means welding salaries stretch further than in many other states, making Wisconsin an attractive location for welding careers.

Wisconsin offers multiple pathways to become a welder without requiring state licensing. The fastest route is through one of Wisconsin's 30+ welding programs at technical colleges like Milwaukee Area Technical College, Madison Area Technical College, or Chippewa Valley Technical College, which offer 6-month to 2-year certificate programs costing $3,000-$12,000. Community colleges provide associate degrees in welding technology. Wisconsin apprenticeship programs, primarily through United Association Local 434 (Milwaukee) and Local 597 (Madison), last 4-5 years combining classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. Apprentices start at 50% of journeyman wages ($23,815) and progress to 90% ($50,067) by completion. No state license is required, but AWS certifications are essential - Wisconsin has over 200 AWS-accredited testing facilities. Key certifications include SMAW (Stick), GMAW (MIG), GTAW (TIG), and FCAW (Flux-core). Many Wisconsin manufacturers like Harley-Davidson, Caterpillar, and John Deere offer entry-level positions with on-the-job training. Military veterans can use GI Bill benefits at Wisconsin technical colleges, and the state's Fast Forward program provides grants up to $3,000 for welding training.

The $18,690 gap between Wisconsin's lowest-paid welders ($46,270 at 10th percentile) and highest earners ($64,960 at 90th percentile) reflects significant skill and specialization differences. Entry-level welders performing basic MIG welding in small shops typically start near the 25th percentile ($49,420). Mid-career professionals with AWS certifications and 5-10 years experience cluster around the median ($55,630). Top earners reaching the 90th percentile usually possess specialized skills like underwater welding, aerospace welding, or pipeline welding, often combined with supervisory responsibilities. Union membership strongly correlates with higher wages - union welders average $8,000-$12,000 more annually than non-union counterparts. Geographic location within Wisconsin also matters significantly, with Milwaukee metro area welders earning 15-20% more than rural areas due to heavy industrial presence. Specialized industries like power generation, shipbuilding, and precision manufacturing push wages toward the 75th percentile ($60,020) and above.