Welder Hourly Pay in Superior, WI: $28.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Superior, WI runs $28.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,905 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Superior's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,339 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Superior, Wisconsin, the welder hourly pay stands at a median rate of $28.32, significantly higher than the national median of $26.87. For part-time or per-diem workers, this rate translates into solid income potential in various work environments, such as fabrication shop production lines and pipeline welding stations, where welders typically clock anywhere from 24 to 40 hours a week. Entry-level welders in this area can expect to start at approximately $21.95 hourly, while seasoned professionals, especially those in specialized fields such as underwater or nuclear welding, can earn as much as $40.62 an hour. These projections indicate a dynamic pay range that reflects the varying demands and risks associated with welding tasks across different sectors in Superior.
About the Superior 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) | $21.95 | $175.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.29 | $202.32 |
| Median (P50) | $28.32 | $226.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.42 | $267.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.62 | $324.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Superior
Based on $28.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.32/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Superior, WI can expect to earn approximately $58,898 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,980. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Superior.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Superior
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,132.66 | $4,908 | $58,898 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $679.60 | $2,945 | $35,339 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $453.06 | $1,963 | $23,559 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Superior) | $28.32 |
| 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 Superior, WI earn a median of $58,905 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.39% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 4.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $61,552.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.32/hr = $35,339/year (purchasing power: $37,836).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,898/year (purchasing power: $63,060).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Superior (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Superior grew 26.5% from $21.53/hr (2019) to $27.23/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.45/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 Superior 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 Superior
Considering a standard work schedule, a part-time welder operating three days a week could see earnings totaling approximately $36,000 annually, which can be quite competitive when compared to full-time roles. Those engaging in per diem work—such as traveling pipe welders—often enjoy lucrative contracts, receiving between $80 to $175 daily on top of their $40-$70 hourly base rate. Welders employed by refinery crews may command between $50 and $80 an hour during shutdown periods, consistently increasing their total earnings, especially during weekends. Moreover, self-employed rig welders can charge anywhere from $90 to $160 per hour. This variety implies differing trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits, as some workers may prefer positions offering health insurance even if the hourly rate is lower. For those considering opportunities in Superior, negotiation is key; understanding local market rates and being informed about specialty qualifications such as 6G certification can significantly influence pay discussions.
More salary data for Superior, 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 Superior. 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 Superior 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