Welder Hourly Pay in River Falls, WI: $27.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in River Falls, WI runs $27.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,010 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against River Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,807 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In River Falls, Wisconsin, the current welder hourly pay is projected to be $27.89 in 2026, which is higher than the national median hourly rate of $26.87. For welders working part-time, such as those on a three-day-per-week schedule, this translates to a substantial income, especially when factoring in typical settings like fabrication shop production lines or pipeline trench welding stations. Entry-level welders typically earn about $20.69 per hour, while top earners can command up to $38.64 hourly, reflecting a range that accommodates various skill levels and specializations. The data used to estimate these hourly rates is derived from annual salary figures, highlighting the importance of trade skills and certifications, especially for those pursuing roles in high-demand sectors.
About the River Falls 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) | $20.69 | $165.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.22 | $201.74 |
| Median (P50) | $27.89 | $223.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.33 | $258.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.64 | $309.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in River Falls
Based on $27.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.89/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in River Falls, WI can expect to earn approximately $58,011 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,468. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in River Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in River Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,115.60 | $4,834 | $58,011 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $669.36 | $2,901 | $34,807 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $446.24 | $1,934 | $23,205 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (River Falls) | $27.89 |
| 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 River Falls, WI earn a median of $58,010 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.78% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 5.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $61,582.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.89/hr = $34,807/year (purchasing power: $37,266).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,011/year (purchasing power: $62,111).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in River Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in River Falls grew 26.5% from $21.20/hr (2019) to $26.82/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.00/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 River Falls 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 River Falls
Looking at the broader landscape for welders in River Falls, part-time workers can expect to take home a different annual amount than those working full-time. A welder working 24 hours a week might make significantly less than their full-time counterparts, yet the flexibility can be advantageous. For traveling welders, per diem arrangements can substantially increase earnings, with pay ranging from $80 to $175 daily on top of hourly wages that can reach $70 for specialized tasks. Even during refinery shutdowns, welders are often compensated $50 to $80 per hour, sometimes doubling on weekends. Furthermore, various employer types, from structural steel fabrication shops to nuclear power plant maintenance, can significantly influence hourly rates. While some may accept lower rates for health insurance benefits, others, like rig welder owner-operators, capitalize on higher compensation by managing their own equipment. Understanding the specific payment structures and negotiation strategies in this market will greatly benefit aspiring welders looking to maximize their earnings in River Falls, WI.
More salary data for River Falls, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for welders in River Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time welders make in River Falls?
Are welders in River Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time welder make per year in River Falls?
Do welders earn more per hour working part-time in River Falls?
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 River Falls. 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 River Falls 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