Eau Claire vs Milwaukee: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Eau Claire, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eau Claire, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,429 | $61,760▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.05 | $29.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,293 | $50,113▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,433 | $52,536▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,945 | $65,524▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,526 | $75,258▲ |
| Total Employed | 350 | 3,400▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Eau Claire.
The salary gap between Eau Claire and Milwaukee is $1,331 (2.20%). Milwaukee's median is +10.49% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eau Claire spans $22,233,Milwaukee spans $25,145. Milwaukee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Eau Claire ($65,120 effective) pays 2.21% more than Milwaukee ($63,711 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eau Claire if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,120)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,760/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,258)
- ✓Larger job market (3,400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Eau Claire grew 40.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.8% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Eau Claire, WI
$41,240 (2019) → $58,110 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$46,120 (2019) → $59,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eau Claire, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Eau Claire or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eau Claire and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Eau Claire to Milwaukee as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Eau Claire vs Milwaukee?
Related Comparisons
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