Welder Hourly Pay in Racine, WI: $29.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Racine, WI runs $29.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,562 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Racine's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,935 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the welder hourly pay in Racine, Wisconsin is projected to reach a median of $29.60, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $26.87. This competitive rate reflects the area's robust demand for welding professionals across various sectors, including fabrication shops and nuclear power plants. For part-time welders working three days a week, this hourly wage translates into a substantial earning potential, while per-diem workers in roles such as pipeline welding can expect to earn more when factoring in job-related expenses. The hourly salary range for welders in Racine varies as well, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $23.12, while top earners can command up to $34.06, reflecting the diverse skill levels required within this trade.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.12 | $184.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.16 | $201.24 |
| Median (P50) | $29.60 | $236.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.18 | $249.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.06 | $272.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Racine
Based on $29.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.60/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Racine, WI can expect to earn approximately $61,559 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,515. With a cost-of-living index of 95.96 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Racine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Racine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,183.82 | $5,130 | $61,559 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $710.29 | $3,078 | $36,935 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.53 | $2,052 | $24,624 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Racine) | $29.60 |
| 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 Racine, WI earn a median of $61,562 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.14% higher than the national median of $55,895.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.60/hr = $36,935/year (purchasing power: $38,490).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,559/year (purchasing power: $64,150).
CoL index: 95.961 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+45.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Racine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Racine grew 34.6% from $21.15/hr (2019) to $28.46/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.78/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 Racine 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 Racine
Regarding the potential for part-time welders in Racine, working 24 hours a week could yield an annual take-home significantly less than their full-time counterparts at 40 hours per week, yet the flexibility can be beneficial for many. Traveling welders generally enjoy lucrative per-diem arrangements, often earning between $80 and $175 per day on top of their hourly rates that can range from $40 to $70. During peak periods for refinery turnarounds, rates can escalate to $50-$80 per hour, with additional pay for weekends. Different employer types across Racine offer varying compensation structures; for instance, structural fabrication companies tend to provide steady work at competitive rates, while underwater welding jobs can yield $1,000 to $3,000 or more daily. Considering health benefits versus pay, some welders may opt for lower hourly wages that include health insurance, while others, especially in union roles, might prefer higher pay without benefits. Negotiation is key—welders should assess the full picture of compensation, including overtime opportunities and job stability, when discussing their hourly rates.
More salary data for Racine, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in Racine in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in Racine?
Are welders in Racine paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in Racine?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in Racine?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 Racine. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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