Welder Apprenticeship in Wisconsin

The median Welder in Wisconsin earns $55,630 annually, outpacing the national all-occupation median by 16%. The trade offers a reliable path to financial stability in the state.

Wisconsin pays modestly above the national Welder median — $55,630 vs. $51,000, a 9% premium. Not a top-paying state, but above average.

The 2.2% growth projection is below average, but 45,600 replacement openings per year still create steady demand for trained Welders.

Wisconsin employs 16,820 Welders, accounting for 3.9% of the national workforce — a mid-sized market with enough employer density to support active apprenticeship placement.

At 6,000 hours over 3 years, the Welder apprenticeship is comprehensive. You'll spend most of your time working alongside certified professionals, supplemented by classroom training in precision measurement, CNC operations, and metallurgy. Every hour is paid.

With 1,308 sponsors on record, Wisconsin ranks among the top states for apprenticeship access. Whether through IBEW locals, contractor-run programs, or state-sponsored initiatives, entry points are plentiful.

The wage band for Welders in Wisconsin is narrow: $46,270 to $64,960 at the extremes. The $18,690 range means compensation is relatively standardized, often set by union contracts or prevailing wage rates.