Entry-Level Welder Salary in Menomonie, WI: $44,053 (2026)
Quick Answer:New welders entering the Menomonie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,053 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 51-4121, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Menomonie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,166 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,417) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Welders beginning their careers in Menomonie, Wisconsin, can expect to start with salaries around $44,053 in 2026, which positions them at the lower end of the wage spectrum. While this starting pay may seem modest compared to the city's median annual compensation of $58,417, it offers a clear trajectory for newer welders. Over the first few years in the field, they can realistically aim to transition to the 25th percentile salary of $51,042, making it a feasible goal as they accumulate experience and further refine their skills. Menomonie presents a favorable job market for entry-level welders right now, particularly as the industry anticipates a growth rate of 3.99% annually, emphasizing a strong demand for skilled workers in the coming years.
About the Menomonie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Menomonie
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Menomonie
Entry-level welders in Menomonie, WI typically start between $44,053 and $51,042 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,175 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,417 — 4.51% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average welding program cost in Wisconsin of $14,000 represents just 31.78% of the starting welder pay ($44,053/year) in Menomonie. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AWS-aligned welding certificate and associate programs at community colleges and technical schools. Costs vary significantly based on program length (6 months vs 2 years) and specialty certifications (structural, pipe, underwater).
WLD Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Menomonie
- 1Research the Menomonie market: entry-level welder pay ranges from $44,053 to $51,042, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the welding field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Menomonie, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Menomonie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Menomonie's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Welder Compensation Range
The welder wage spread in Menomonie is $34,175 ( 77.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,053, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,228.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,815
2025 BLS Actual
$42,363
2026 Current Est.
$44,053
2019–2027 Growth
+44.0%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Menomonie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,815 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,079 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,845 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,196 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,761 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,987 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,363 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,053 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,811 | Projected |
Entry-level welder compensation (10th percentile) in Menomonie, WI grew 33.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,815 in 2019 to $42,363 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,811. New graduates entering the Menomonie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Menomonie metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your welding Career in Menomonie
Employment opportunities for new graduates in the welding profession in Menomonie can be found within various sectors. Local employers such as production welding shops often recruit graduates from trade schools, offering positions as welders or as helpers in structural and pipe shops. Others may pursue opportunities with non-union pipeline contractors who seek certified welders for larger projects, providing practical experience that enhances future earning potential. Credentials such as AWS certifications in various welding processes, and specialized qualifications like the NQA-1 for nuclear work, can significantly boost starting pay. Aspiring welders should also consider union apprenticeships with organizations like UA or the Boilermakers, which can provide solid training paths. Initially, welders can anticipate realistic salary growth within their first few years, especially those who earn credentials like the 6G pipe certification, which positions them well for higher-paying jobs in the industry. With an aging workforce and projected shortages of over 360,000 welders by 2027, entering the field now can be a strategic move for new grads, setting them on a path toward lucrative career opportunities.
More salary data for Menomonie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new welding graduates. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Menomonie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Menomonie is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov