Welder Hourly Pay in Muskego, WI: $28.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Muskego, WI runs $28.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,527 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Muskego's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,715 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For welders in Muskego, Wisconsin, the projected median hourly pay for 2026 stands at $28.62, surpassing the national median of $26.87 by a noteworthy margin. This rate reflects both the demand and skill level prevalent in local industries, encompassing environments such as fabrication shops, pipeline projects, and refinery maintenance. Entry-level welders can expect to earn around $22.68 per hour, while experienced professionals and those in specialized roles may command as much as $38.84 per hour. For part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, this translates to a realistic earning potential that aligns well with local living expenses, making welding an appealing option in both full-time and per-diem settings where labor needs fluctuate.
About the Muskego Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.68 | $181.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.91 | $207.31 |
| Median (P50) | $28.62 | $228.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.43 | $259.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.84 | $310.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muskego
Based on $28.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.62/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muskego, WI can expect to earn approximately $59,526 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,342. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muskego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muskego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,144.72 | $4,960 | $59,526 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $686.83 | $2,976 | $35,715 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $457.89 | $1,984 | $23,810 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Muskego) | $28.62 |
| Machinist (National Avg) | $25.72 |
| Sheet Metal Worker (National Avg) | $28.93 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Boilermaker (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Welders in Muskego, WI earn a median of $59,527 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.50% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 3.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $61,558.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.62/hr = $35,715/year (purchasing power: $38,239).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,526/year (purchasing power: $63,732).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Muskego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Muskego grew 26.5% from $21.75/hr (2019) to $27.52/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.76/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem welders can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muskego 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.
Working as an Hourly Welder in Muskego
Delving into the specifics of part-time work and per-diem opportunities reveals intriguing dynamics. For a welder working 24 hours a week, annual earnings can add up significantly, especially when considering that full-time welders can see their income amplified through overtime or holiday pay. The per diem welder pay in Muskego reflects a variety of scenarios; traveling welders might receive $80-$175 daily for lodging and meals, while those engaged in refinery turnarounds can earn $50-$80 per hour, with heightened rates during weekends or special projects. Additionally, rig welder owner-operators billing $90-$160 per hour for their services further illustrates the range of potential earnings. While some opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits through employers, others may negotiate for higher pay without benefits depending on their circumstances. Understanding these options is key for welders in Muskego navigating their career paths effectively.
More salary data for Muskego, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for welders in Muskego. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Muskego 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