Welder Salary in Menomonie, WI: $58,417 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Menomonie, WI earns a median $58,417/year (≈ $28.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Menomonie's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $62,545 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for welders in Menomonie, Wisconsin, is $58,417, which represents a competitive figure compared to the national median of $55,895. The salary range for welders in this area spans from $44,053 at the 10th percentile to $78,228 at the 90th percentile, offering a broad landscape for both entry-level and experienced professionals. These estimates come from data based on 2025 BLS OEWS figures and account for regional cost adjustments, reflecting the economic realities specific to the Menomonie job market. While local shop positions provide stable pay, traveling pipe welders—often benefiting from per-diem allowances—see greater earnings potential, making the overall welding compensation in Menomonie quite dynamic.
About the Menomonie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,053 | $21.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,042 | $24.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,417 | $28.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,039 | $31.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,228 | $37.61 |
Median Salary Position
4.51% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Menomonie
In Menomonie, WI, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,175 (2026 est.). At $58,417, the local median is 4.51% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Menomonie: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Menomonie Welder Pay Compares
Menomonie median: $58,417/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Menomonie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $61,557 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +4.51% more |
Welders in Menomonie, WI earn a median of $58,417 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.51% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 5.10% below the Wisconsin state average of $61,557.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Menomonie has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Menomonie, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $58,417 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,545 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,408
2025 BLS Actual
$56,176
2026 Current Est.
$58,417
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Menomonie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,408 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,185 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,132 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,686 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,149 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,859 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,176 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,417 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,748 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Menomonie metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $44,408 (2019) to $56,176 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,748 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,340 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Menomonie 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) | $44,053 – $51,042 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,042 – $58,417 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,417 – $66,039 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,039 – $78,228 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Menomonie
With only four welders currently employed in Menomonie, the job market for this profession is niche yet potentially lucrative, especially considering the area's cost of living index of 93.4, which indicates a lower-than-average cost of living relative to the national standard. This environment enhances the purchasing power of welders, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle. Employers that typically offer higher wages in Menomonie include structural steel fabrication shops and those involved in oil and gas pipeline welding, where certification levels significantly influence pay scales. Achieving specialized certifications, such as the 6G pipe qualification, can greatly enhance a welder's salary prospects, particularly when it involves hands-on work with high-stakes industries like aerospace and nuclear. To maximize earnings in Menomonie, welders are advised to seek out opportunities that involve traveling work or high-demand specialties, as these can lead to greater financial rewards in an evolving market driven by regional economic factors and workforce demand.
More salary data for Menomonie, 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 $56,176 for weldersin the Menomonie 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
Salary data for Menomonie 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