Welder in Oshkosh, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Oshkosh Stands

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking metro-area wage data, I can tell you that Oshkosh’s welder salary story is one of affordability over absolute top-tier pay. The local market pays a median salary of $48,206/year, which breaks down to $23.18/hour. This places it slightly below the national average of $49,590/year for welders, a common trade-off for the city’s lower cost of living. The metro area supports about 132 welding jobs, a stable but not explosive market, with a 10-year job growth projection of 2%. This indicates a steady need for replacement workers and modest expansion, rather than a booming industry. It’s a reliable market if you have the skills, but not a place you’d move to for a dramatic career acceleration in welding alone.

Here’s how pay typically breaks down by experience level in the Oshkosh area. These are estimates based on local employer data and BLS trends for the region.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level	$38,000 - $42,000	$18.25 - $20.20	Often starts with basic MIG welding in production settings.
Mid-Career	$45,000 - $52,000	$21.63 - $25.00	Aligns with the median of $48,206. Requires TIG or flux-core proficiency.
Senior	$55,000 - $65,000	$26.44 - $31.25	Specialized skills (e.g., structural, pressure vessels) or supervisory role.
Expert/Lead	$68,000+	$32.70+	Often involves certification management, code work (ASME), or niche processes.

Comparing to other Wisconsin cities, Oshkosh sits in a middle ground. It pays more than rural areas like Wausau or La Crosse but less than the state’s major hubs. For instance, welders in the Milwaukee metro can command a median closer to $52,000-$54,000/year, while in Green Bay, it’s more aligned with Oshkosh’s $48,206. The key differentiator is the cost of living. A welder earning the median in Oshkosh has more purchasing power than one earning slightly more in Milwaukee after housing and other expenses are factored in.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base number. Ask about shift differentials. Many local manufacturers (like those in the metal fabrication sector) offer a $1.50-$2.50/hour premium for second or third shift. This can push a mid-career welder’s effective hourly rate well over $25/hour, significantly boosting annual earnings without changing employers.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The Cost of Living Index for Oshkosh is 90.7, meaning it’s about 9.3% cheaper than the U.S. average. This is your biggest financial advantage. The average 1BR rent is $779/month, a figure that’s become increasingly rare in larger cities. For a welder earning the median salary of $48,206, let’s break down a realistic monthly budget.

Assuming a single filer with standard deductions, take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA, and Wisconsin state tax is roughly $3,100/month (this is an estimate; consult a tax professional). Here’s how that might look:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$779	Average. Could range from $650 (older building) to $950 (newer complex).
Utilities	$150	Includes electric, gas, water, and trash. Winter heating can spike this.
Groceries	$300	Single person, cooking at home.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Assumes a modest car loan ($250) + insurance ($100).
Fuel	$120	Commuting within Oshkosh is short; also covers trips to Fox Cities or Lake Winnebago.
Health Insurance	$150	Employer-sponsored plan (if offered) or marketplace estimate.
Miscellaneous	$250	Phone, internet, personal care, entertainment.
Total Expenses	$2,199
Remaining (Savings/Debt)	~$900

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. With $900/month in potential savings, a welder could build a down payment relatively quickly. The median home price in Oshkosh is roughly $180,000 - $200,000. A 10% down payment is $18,000 - $20,000, achievable in 2-3 years of disciplined saving. A monthly mortgage payment (with taxes and insurance) on a $180k home would be around $1,100-$1,200, which is manageable on the take-home pay, especially if you secure a dual-income household. The affordability of homeownership here is a major draw for tradespeople.

Where the Jobs Are: Oshkosh's Major Employers

Oshkosh’s economy is anchored in heavy manufacturing, education (UW Oshkosh), and healthcare, with welding jobs concentrated in the first category. The job market for welders is stable, with hiring often tied to the production cycles of major employers. Here are the key players:

1. Oshkosh Corporation: The giant. Headquartered here, they manufacture heavy-duty trucks and specialty vehicles (fire, military, concrete). They are the single largest employer for welders in the region. Jobs are primarily in structural welding for truck frames and bodies. Hiring trends are cyclical but generally strong, tied to defense and municipal contracts. They heavily promote from within and have robust apprenticeship programs. (Location: Multiple facilities in Oshkosh and nearby Appleton)
2. J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.: While known for compliance services, they have a significant manufacturing arm that produces signs, traffic control devices, and safety equipment. This requires fabrication and MIG/TIG welding. They have a reputation for stable employment and good benefits. (Location: Main campus on Washburn Street)
3. Oshkosh Defense (a division of Oshkosh Corp): Focuses specifically on military vehicles. The welding here is often to very strict military specs (Mil-Spec), requiring high-level certifications and precision. It’s a great place for a welder looking to specialize in high-value, low-volume production. Hiring is steady but can be project-based. (Location: Separate facilities within the broader Oshkosh Corp footprint)
4. Local Metal Fabrication Shops: There are numerous smaller shops (e.g., B&B Manufacturing, Fox Valley Metal-Tech) that serve the broader Fox Cities region. These shops often work on custom projects, prototypes, and repair work. They offer variety and may be more willing to train on specific processes. Hiring is more fluid and often posted on local job boards or word-of-mouth.
5. Paper & Packaging Companies: While the paper industry has declined, companies like Kimberly-Clark (with facilities in nearby Neenah) or Packaging Corporation of America (in nearby Appleton) have maintenance departments that employ welders for plant upkeep and equipment repair. These are often unionized positions with excellent benefits and pay scales that can exceed the median.

Insider Tip: The best welding jobs in Oshkosh are often not advertised publicly. They’re filled through referrals. Once you’re in the area, join the Fox Valley Chapter of the American Welding Society (AWS). Attend their meetings. Networking here is more effective than applying online for the top-tier positions at Oshkosh Corp.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin has clear pathways for welders, focusing on certification rather than a state-issued "welder's license" for general work. The key is obtaining certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS) or specific employer-required credentials.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. No General State License: You do not need a state license to weld in Wisconsin for most general fabrication, manufacturing, or repair work.
2. Pressure Vessel & Piping Work: If you plan to weld on boilers, pressure vessels, or piping, you must be certified under the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC) or a state-adopted code. This requires additional training and testing through an accredited organization.
3. Structural Steel Welding: For work on buildings and bridges, you’ll need certifications from the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) or AWS D1.1. Many employers, especially Oshkosh Corp, require this.

Costs and Timeline:

• AWS Certified Welder (CWI) Exam: The test itself costs $350-$500. This is the most versatile certification. Preparation courses (if needed) can add $500-$1,500 and last 2-8 weeks.
• Employer-Sponsored Training: Most major employers in Oshkosh, like Oshkosh Corp, will pay for your initial certifications and ongoing training. This is a significant benefit. The timeline to get started can be as short as 2-4 weeks if you have basic experience and they sponsor your test.
• Apprenticeship Programs: The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development sponsors apprenticeships. These are paid, on-the-job training programs that combine work with classroom instruction, typically lasting 3-4 years. You earn a wage while you learn, and your certifications are covered.

Actionable Steps:

1. If you’re new, start with a Community College Program. Fox Valley Technical College (in nearby Appleton) has an excellent Welding program. It’s a 1-2 semester certificate that provides the hands-on skills and AWS test preparation you need. Cost is roughly $3,000-$5,000 for the program.
2. If you’re experienced, contact the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development to find an apprenticeship sponsor or check with local employers about their certification requirements.
3. For pressure work, contact the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors for specific exam locations and requirements in Wisconsin.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

When choosing a neighborhood in Oshkosh, consider your commute (most jobs are on the north and west sides), lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a practical breakdown:

1. Westhaven / Northside: This is the heart of the industrial corridor. You’ll be within a 5-10 minute commute to Oshkosh Corp and many smaller fabrication shops. It’s a working-class, no-frills area with older, affordable homes and apartments. Rent here is among the lowest in the city, often $600-$750 for a 1BR. The trade-off is fewer dining/entertainment options, but you’re close to work and Highway 41 for easy access to Appleton.
2. Downtown Oshkosh: Offers a completely different vibe. Walkable, with breweries, restaurants, and the waterfront. Commute to north-side plants is 10-15 minutes. Rent is higher, typically $850-$1,100 for a modern 1BR. This is ideal for a younger welder who values nightlife and community events over proximity to the plant gate. You’d likely need a car for work, but social life can be car-free.
3. Sage / Southside: A quiet, residential area with mostly single-family homes. Commute to major employers is 10-15 minutes. Rent for a 1BR is around $750-$850. It’s popular with families and offers good access to parks and the Lake Winnebago shoreline. A great balance of affordability, space, and a residential feel.
4. Fletcher Creek / Eastside: A newer, more suburban area with townhomes and apartment complexes. Commute to the westside plants is 15-20 minutes, but it’s very close to UW Oshkosh and the Fox River Mall area (Appleton). Rent is higher, $900-$1,100. This is a good option if you’re looking for modern amenities and don’t mind a slightly longer commute.

Insider Tip: If you’re considering a job at Oshkosh Corp’s large south campus, the Sage area offers a reverse commute (you’re driving against the main flow of traffic), which can be a minor but daily perk.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 2% tells you that the path to advancement in Oshkosh isn’t about explosive industry growth, but about specialization and moving up within existing structures. The money and opportunities are in the niches.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay jumps come from acquiring in-demand certifications. A welder with AWS D1.1 Structural Steel certification can earn $3-$5/hour more than a general fabricator. Specializing in TIG welding for stainless steel (used in food-grade or sanitary applications) or aluminum welding (for truck bodies or aerospace components) commands a premium. Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credentials can move you into a quality control role, with salaries often exceeding $65,000.
• Advancement Paths: The typical ladder looks like this: Welder -> Lead Welder/Fabricator -> Welding Supervisor -> Production Manager. Each step requires leadership training, a deep understanding of codes and procedures, and often additional certifications in project management or QA/QC. The path is very clear at larger companies like Oshkosh Corp.
• 10-Year Outlook: The base demand will remain steady due to the replacement cycle. The growth will be in areas tied to defense contracts (for Oshkosh Defense) and specialty electric vehicle components (a trend all manufacturers are exploring). A welder who invests in learning about robotic welding programming or advanced fabrication techniques will be future-proof. The key is to never stop learning. The AWS offers continuous education credits to maintain certifications.

The Verdict: Is Oshkosh Right for You?

Oshkosh is a pragmatic, working-city choice for a welder. It’s not a glamorous hotspot, but it’s a place where a skilled trade can build a solid, middle-class life.

Pros	Cons
High affordability: Low rent and cost of living stretch your $48,206 median salary far.	Slower job growth: The 2% growth rate means competition for top jobs can be tight.
Stable employers: Major players like Oshkosh Corp offer long-term career paths.	Limited specialty niches: Fewer high-end aerospace or marine welding opportunities compared to coastal hubs.
Excellent homeownership potential: You can realistically buy a home within a few years.	Winters are harsh: Factor in snow removal, heating costs, and seasonal lulls in some construction sectors.
Central location: Easy access to Appleton, Green Bay, and Lake Winnebago for recreation.	Smaller metro area (66,184 pop): Fewer networking events and training options than a major city.

Final Recommendation: Oshkosh is an excellent fit for a welder who values financial stability, homeownership, and a predictable career path over rapid industry expansion. It’s ideal for those with 2-5 years of experience ready to specialize, or for anyone looking to escape the high costs of larger cities. If you’re a new welder, the combination of affordable living and employer-sponsored apprenticeships makes it a great place to start. If you’re an expert seeking the absolute highest salary, you might look to Milwaukee or the coasts, but you’ll pay a steep price in living costs. For most, Oshkosh offers the best balance.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be certified before applying for jobs in Oshkosh?
Not always for entry-level production roles, but it’s a massive advantage. Many employers, especially Oshkosh Corp, will hire you with basic experience and then sponsor your AWS certifications. Having them beforehand, however, makes you a more competitive candidate and can start you at a higher pay grade.

2. Is the job market for welders seasonal?
There can be some seasonality. Construction-related welding may slow in the deep winter (Jan-Feb). However, manufacturing for heavy equipment and defense is year-round. Maintenance welding for paper mills and other plants is also steady. The 132 jobs in the metro are generally stable.

3. What’s the best way to find a welding job in Oshkosh?
Check company websites (Oshkosh Corp, J.J. Keller) directly. Use local job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn, but also tap into Fox Valley Technical College’s job placement services and the Fox Valley AWS chapter. Many smaller shops hire through word-of-mouth.

4. How important is a driver’s license?
Essential. While some neighborhoods are walkable, most industrial plants are on the outskirts, and public transportation is limited. A reliable vehicle is a must for commuting and getting to job sites.

5. Can I live comfortably on the median salary?
Yes, comfortably. With the Cost of Living Index at 90.7 and average rent at $779, the **$48,206 median salary