Welder Career Guide in Wisconsin
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Wisconsin.
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How to Become a Welder in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has an extensive technical-college and registered-apprenticeship system. Welding programs commonly cover SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, cutting, fabrication, automated welding, print reading, inspection, metallurgy, and safety.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Welder Salary in Wisconsin
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Wisconsin median wage for welder workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $51,000, the median wage in Wisconsin is approximately $7,410 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in Wisconsin
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONWelder Training Requirements in Wisconsin
Wisconsin welders typically train through the Wisconsin Technical College System, a registered apprenticeship, or employer-sponsored instruction.
- Develop competency in common arc-welding and thermal-cutting processes.
- Learn blueprint reading, weld symbols, fabrication, measurement, metallurgy, and inspection.
- Complete PPE, ventilation, fire-prevention, electrical, and compressed-gas safety training.
- Pass the employer or project welder performance test.
- Obtain and maintain AWS, ASME, API, or industry-specific qualifications when required.
Welder Training Providers in Wisconsin
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Area Technical College – Welding | Milwaukee | View Program |
| Madison College – Welding | Madison | View Program |
| Fox Valley Technical College – Welding | Appleton | View Program |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College – Welding | Green Bay | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESWelder Apprenticeship Programs in Wisconsin
Welder Licensing Requirements in Wisconsin
Wisconsin does not require a general statewide occupational license for employee welders. Manufacturers, construction contractors, unions, pressure-system employers, and project owners may require AWS, ASME, API, structural, pipe, or company-specific qualifications.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in Wisconsin
Wisconsin welding employment is projected to grow 9% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 18,930 to 20,690 jobs. About 2,090 openings per year are projected.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the welder salary in Wisconsin?
The statewide median wage for welders in Wisconsin is approximately $58,410 per year, or $28.08 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Wisconsin require welder licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for welder workers in Wisconsin. Local jurisdictions, employers, or specific work scopes may still impose requirements, so applicants should verify current rules before beginning work.
How long does it take to become a welder in Wisconsin?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 6 Months–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are welders in demand in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin projects welder employment to grow by approximately 9% from 2022 to 2032, with about 2,090 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Wisconsin Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Wisconsin Welder Wages
- Wisconsin Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Wisconsin Welder Employment Trends
- No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority / Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards — Licensing authority. No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority / Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards