Welder Salary in Janesville, WI: $62,394 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Janesville, WI earns a median $62,394/year (≈ $30.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Janesville's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.7), that paycheck buys what $66,587 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Wisconsin state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected welder salary in Janesville, Wisconsin, is anticipated to reach $62,394, signaling a robust opportunity for those entering the field. This figure not only positions local welders significantly above the national median of $55,895 but also showcases a competitive range extending from $50,342 at the lower end to $73,542 at the high end. The data draws from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, reflecting the value of investing in quality welding equipment and training, particularly for those considering the rig welder ownership pathway. Given the emphasis on certifications like the 6G pipe, which can elevate earnings substantially, Janesville's market is adapting to the growing demand for skilled welders, who are crucial for sustaining local industrial and construction projects.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,342 | $24.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,177 | $26.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,394 | $30.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,694 | $33.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,542 | $35.36 |
Median Salary Position
11.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Janesville
In Janesville, WI, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,200 (2026 est.). At $62,394, the local median is 11.63% above the national median of $55,895.
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At 40 hours/week in Janesville: You'd be above the median
How Janesville Welder Pay Compares
Janesville median: $62,394/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Janesville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $61,533 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $55,895 | +11.63% more |
Welders in Janesville, WI earn a median of $62,394 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.63% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 1.40% above the Wisconsin state average of $61,533.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Janesville has a cost of living 6.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Janesville, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.703 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $62,394 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,587 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.72% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,870
2025 BLS Actual
$60,000
2026 Current Est.
$62,394
2019–2027 Growth
+44.6%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Janesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,870 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,920 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,100 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,394 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,884 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Janesville metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 33.7% from $44,870 (2019) to $60,000 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,884 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,014 (44.60%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Janesville 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $50,342 – $55,177 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,177 – $62,394 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,394 – $69,694 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,694 – $73,542 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Janesville
In this region, the local job market reflects a strong presence of 520 welders, underscoring the demand for skilled labor. The cost of living index in Janesville sits at 93.703, meaning that welders can enjoy a more favorable purchasing power compared to many areas. Employers across varied sectors significantly impact welder pay in Janesville, with those involved in structural steel fabrication and pipeline welding generally offering the most competitive salaries. The disparity between lower and higher earnings can be traced back to factors such as the level of certification required, specialty skills, and whether welders are working locally or traveling for jobs. For instance, the ownership of a welding rig can mean substantial upfront investment but offers the potential for higher income through per-diem allowances. To maximize earnings in Janesville, aspiring welders should focus on achieving advanced certifications, exploring specialized niches, and being open to travel opportunities that enhance their pay potential.
More salary data for Janesville, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $60,000 for weldersin the Janesville metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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