Welder Salary in Pewaukee, WI: $58,658 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Pewaukee, WI earns a median $58,658/year (≈ $28.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Pewaukee's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $62,803 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pewaukee, Wisconsin, the projected annual earnings for welders in 2026 are set at $58,658, reflecting a local labor market that tends to reward specialized skills and certifications. The salary range for welders varies significantly, with starting positions earning approximately $44,649 (the 10th percentile) and experienced professionals making as much as $76,855 (the 90th percentile). These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost differences, illustrating the potential for competitive compensation based on experience and specialization. The local demand for welding spans various sectors, with pipe welders often commanding higher pay due to their specialized skill sets.
About the Pewaukee Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,649 | $21.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,554 | $24.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,658 | $28.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,682 | $32.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,855 | $36.95 |
Median Salary Position
4.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pewaukee
In Pewaukee, WI, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,206 (2026 est.). At $58,658, the local median is 4.94% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pewaukee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pewaukee Welder Pay Compares
Pewaukee median: $58,658/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pewaukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $61,551 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +4.94% more |
Welders in Pewaukee, WI earn a median of $58,658 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.94% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 4.70% below the Wisconsin state average of $61,551.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pewaukee 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.
Pewaukee, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $58,658 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,803 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,590
2025 BLS Actual
$56,407
2026 Current Est.
$58,658
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Pewaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,590 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,374 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,334 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,890 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,359 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,057 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,407 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,658 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,998 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pewaukee metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $44,590 (2019) to $56,407 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,998 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,408 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pewaukee 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) | $44,649 – $51,554 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,554 – $58,658 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,658 – $66,682 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,682 – $76,855 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Pewaukee
Despite the strong average salary, only four welders are currently employed in Pewaukee, emphasizing the niche nature of the market. With a cost-of-living index of 93.4, the economic environment in this area enhances the purchasing power of welders, making it feasible for them to enjoy a comfortable living while honing their craft. Those seeking the highest salaries should consider employers in sectors such as oil and gas pipeline contracting or nuclear power plant maintenance, where the demand for highly skilled welders is significant. The pay gap between entry-level and experienced welders can be attributed to factors like certification levels and specialization, with the 6G pipe certification being a lucrative asset. Traveling welder positions also add to earnings, offering per-diem benefits on top of base rates. For those in Pewaukee looking to maximize their welder pay, investing in advanced qualifications and gaining experience in high-demand fields would be beneficial strategies to pursue.
More salary data for Pewaukee, 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 $56,407 for weldersin the Pewaukee 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 Pewaukee 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