Welder Salary in Middleton, WI: $56,917 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Middleton, WI earns a median $56,917/year (≈ $27.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Middleton's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $60,939 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middleton, Wisconsin, welders earn a median annual salary of $56,917, which is slightly above the national median of $55,895. The salary range for welders in this area fluctuates between $45,254 at the 10th percentile and $78,794 at the 90th percentile, indicating potential for significant earnings depending on experience and specialty. These estimates are informed by the BLS state-level data, adjusted for local economic conditions and the cost of living in Middleton. Given the local context, individuals considering a welding career here might evaluate the economics of rig welder ownership. Investing in a welding truck, which can cost anywhere from $80,000 to $150,000, is critical to maximizing hourly earnings and accessing a broader range of job opportunities that come with higher pay.
About the Middleton Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,254 | $21.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,427 | $24.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,917 | $27.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,937 | $31.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,794 | $37.88 |
Median Salary Position
1.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Middleton
In Middleton, WI, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,540 (2026 est.). At $56,917, the local median is 1.83% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Middleton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Middleton Welder Pay Compares
Middleton median: $56,917/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Middleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $61,532 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +1.83% more |
Welders in Middleton, WI earn a median of $56,917 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.83% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 7.50% below the Wisconsin state average of $61,532.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Middleton 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.
Middleton, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $56,917 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,939 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,267
2025 BLS Actual
$54,733
2026 Current Est.
$56,917
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Middleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,267 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,998 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,409 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,835 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,630 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,733 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,917 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,188 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Middleton metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $43,267 (2019) to $54,733 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,188 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,921 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Middleton 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) | $45,254 – $51,427 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,427 – $56,917 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,917 – $65,937 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,937 – $78,794 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Middleton
The job market for welders in Middleton remains relatively small, with only six welders currently employed. The local cost of living index stands at 93.4, which is below the national average, thus affecting purchasing power and the overall attractiveness of the welder salary in Middleton. Employers who typically pay the highest wages include those in sectors like structural steel fabrication, oil and gas pipeline welding, and aerospace. While factors such as certification levels and specialty expertise delineate pay scales, traveling welders can significantly enhance their earnings due to per-diem rates and job opportunities in booming areas. Maximizing pay in this market often hinges on acquiring advanced certifications such as 6G pipe and ASME IX, as well as actively seeking traveling work or self-employment opportunities that allow for better financial returns.
More salary data for Middleton, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $54,733 for weldersin the Middleton 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 Middleton 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