Employment Market Snapshot: Light Industrial Positions

Wisconsin Market

Wisconsin's unemployment rate continues to be low, making finding talent a challenge.

3.9% Wisconsin Unemployment Rate April 2024

Wisconsin Market Pay Rates by Position*

*Positions are at an intermediate level

Dane County Market Snapshot

QTI's average hourly pay rates for light industrial positions in Dane County continued to climb in May 2024, reaching an average of $18.75. Over five years, average pay rates jumped $4.57/hour.

Not on the bus line? $19.05/hour The average hourly pay rate for jobs NOT ON THE BUS LINE. (May 2024)

Milwaukee, WI Market

Milwaukee area pay rates for light industrial positions continue to fluctuate. After a slight dip in November 2023, average pay rates in May 2024 were up $1.25/hour, marking the highest average hourly pay rate in the Milwaukee market in the last five years.

Transportation Matters

If the job is outside the bus line, plan to increase your hourly pay rate to remain competitive.  The average hourly pay rate for light industrial positions not on a bus line is $18.90.

$18.90/hour Average pay rate for jobs NOT ON THE BUS LINE. (May 2024)

$18.49/hour Average pay rates for jobs ON THE BUS LINE. (May 2024)

Beaver Dam, WI Area Market

In May 2024, average pay rates in the Beaver Dam, WI market dropped slightly from November 2023 to $17.35/hour. However, pay rates for light industrial jobs are up $3.33/hour over the last five years. If the job is located outside the city of Beaver Dam, expect to pay more to remain competitive, with the average pay rate being $17.76/hour.

Locations Matters

$16.79/hour Average pay rate for jobs in Beaver Dam, WI (May 2024)

$17.76/hour Average pay rates for jobs located outside of Beaver Dam, WI. (May 2024)

Need recruiting assistance or want to discuss the competitiveness of your organization's compensation plan?  Contact us. To learn more about what job seekers desire in a job and what drives their engagement, read our 2023 Worker Experience Survey Summary.

Sources: Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development; FRED Economic Data; QTI pay rates based on placed candidates in the Beaver Dam, Madison, and Milwaukee, WI markets. WI Market Data - QTI Consulting, Inc.