Welder in Wisconsin
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WI
How to Become a Welder in Wisconsin
To become a registered Welder for structural welding in Wisconsin, individuals must obtain a registration from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). This requires completing a structural welding test within one year prior to application, administered by a Wisconsin state-certified Weld Test Conductor. While there is no formal education prerequisite, welders must demonstrate competency through this performance-based exam. The registration must be renewed every four years, and welders are required to only perform procedures for which they have qualified by test within that timeframe.
Welder Requirements in Wisconsin
| Detail | Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a structural welding test within one year prior to application, conducted by a Wisconsin state-certified Weld Test Conductor. |
| Exam | Structural welding test (performance-based) ($35) |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Notes | A state registration is required for structural welding in Wisconsin. Welders must perform only structural welding procedures for which they have qualified by test within the last four years and carry proof of qualified procedures. AWS and ASME certifications are industry standards and are often accepted, particularly for non-structural or pressure vessel welding, but do not replace the state registration for structural welding. |
Source: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
Welder Salary in Wisconsin
The median welder salary in Wisconsin is $55,630 per year, which is 9.1% above the national median of $51,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $46,270 |
| 25th | $49,420 |
| 50th (median) | $55,630 |
| 75th | $60,020 |
| 90th (experienced) | $64,960 |
Wisconsin employs approximately 16,820 welders.
Welder Job Outlook
AI Impact on Welders
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.20/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Welder in Wisconsin Worth It?
Factors to consider: Wisconsin's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.