Milwaukee vs Oshkosh: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Oshkosh, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | Oshkosh, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,760 | $63,143▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.69 | $30.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,113▲ | $49,312 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,536 | $52,577▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,524 | $68,529▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,258▲ | $69,892 |
| Total Employed | 3,400▲ | 540 |
Verdict
Milwaukee and Oshkosh are closely matched on overall welder compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Oshkosh is $1,383 (2.24%). Oshkosh's median is +12.97% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukee spans $25,145,Oshkosh spans $20,580. Milwaukee 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, Oshkosh ($67,948 effective) pays 6.65% 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 Milwaukee if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,258)
- ✓Larger job market (3,400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Oshkosh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,143/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,948)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Milwaukee grew 28.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.9% growth in Oshkosh over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$46,120 (2019) → $59,390 (2025)
Oshkosh, WI
$44,020 (2019) → $60,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Oshkosh, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Milwaukee or Oshkosh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Oshkosh?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Oshkosh as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Milwaukee vs Oshkosh?
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