Appleton vs Madison: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Appleton, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,271 | $61,905▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.46 | $29.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,314▲ | $46,941 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,910▲ | $52,858 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,186▲ | $65,368 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,979▲ | $74,114 |
| Total Employed | 970 | 1,010▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Appleton.
The salary gap between Appleton and Madison is $634 (1.03%). Madison's median is +10.75% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $37,665,Madison spans $27,173. Appleton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Appleton ($66,297 effective) pays 4.19% more than Madison ($63,631 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,979)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,297)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,905/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,010 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Appleton grew 28.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.0% growth in Madison over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$45,960 (2019) → $58,920 (2025)
Madison, WI
$44,750 (2019) → $59,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Appleton or Madison?
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Should I relocate from Appleton to Madison as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Appleton vs Madison?
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Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov