Senior Welder Salary in De Pere, WI: $81,704 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of welders working in De Pere, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $81,704/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 51-4121. Strip back De Pere's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $87,478 in average-cost America. The 35% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Among the highest earners in De Pere, Wisconsin, experienced welders can anticipate a median annual salary of $60,444 in 2026, with top-tier professionals earning up to $81,704. This competitive figure not only indicates significant demand for skilled welders but also reflects the experience premium that seasoned professionals enjoy. The salary gap between the median and the top earners signifies that specialized skills and advanced certifications are critical for maximizing earning potential in this field. To achieve such elevated pay, welders in De Pere must consider focusing on in-demand specializations, with advanced credentials in welding processes and positions that facilitate high-stakes jobs in sectors like nuclear, underwater, and structural welding.
About the De Pere Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in De Pere
Experienced welders at the top of the pay scale in De Pere earn between $69,607 and $81,704 per year (2026 est.). This $37,261 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The De Pere median of $60,444 sits 8.14% above the US median.
Top WLD Salary Comparison
| Level | De Pere | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $60,444 | $55,895 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,607 | $65,524 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $81,704 | $80,623 |
In De Pere, experienced welders (P90) earn 35.17% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Welder Pay in De Pere
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI welders with additional specialty certifications within the welding field earn significantly above the $60,444 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by De Pere employers.
Specialty Focus
Welders focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the welding field in De Pere command premium compensation, often reaching the $69,607–$81,704 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the De Pere metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced welders who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured welders in De Pere with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Welders in Wisconsin who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Welder Career & Wage Growth Path in De Pere
Clinical Welder
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Welder
5-10 yearsWelder Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDe Pere ranks #21 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner welder salary (90th percentile: $81,704).
Top 10% welder compensation in De Pere ($81,704) is 10.42% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($73,992).
2019 BLS Actual
$65,101
2025 BLS Actual
$78,569
2026 Current Est.
$81,704
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in De Pere (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,101 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,138 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,513 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,671 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,948 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,091 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,569 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,704 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,964 | Projected |
Top-earning welders (90th percentile) in De Pere saw their compensation grow 20.7% from $65,101 in 2019 to $78,569 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.99% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $84,964 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the De Pere 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.
Maximizing Your Welder Earnings in De Pere
Compensation for senior welders in De Pere varies greatly depending on specialization and employer type. Specializations that command premium pay include pipe welding—particularly 6G-certified TIG root with flux core fill and cap—as well as structural welding and underwater welding roles. Senior welders in sectors such as oil and gas pipeline construction or shipyard work may see different earnings based on the nature of their employment. Moreover, those in leadership roles or who own their rig welding businesses can experience even higher profits, as investments in equipment can return substantial rewards. For welders seeking to advance their careers, pathways often lead from production welder to lead fabricator or shop foreman, with additional certifications, such as CWI (Certified Welding Inspector), serving to further enhance both marketability and pay. Skilled craftsmen who tailor their education and training through credentials like AWS or NQA-1 certification are better positioned to thrive in the competitive environment of the welding industry in WI.
More salary data for De Pere, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced welders make in De Pere in 2026?
What drives higher welder pay in De Pere?
What certifications boost welder salary in De Pere?
Can experienced welders make six figures in De Pere?
How much does welder salary increase over time in De Pere?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $78,569 for welders in the De Pere metro area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for De Pere 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