Hey Js
I'm in Wisconsin and there is a good market for welders in the centeral (Milwaukee) and northern areas (Appleton/Sturgeon Bay)
Journey level wages prolly range from 18-20 depending on process and experience. Some higher and some a bit lower until you prove yourself.
Go here and type in "welder" and you will see several hundred opportunities.
http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/JobNet/mapWI.htm