welder salary in minnesota (2026)
Minnesota welders earn a median of $51,700 per year in 2026 — +10% versus the national median of $47,000. The gap reflects minnesota's market dynamics: medical device industry, msp airport, union tradition.
But Minnesota isn't one market. Wages vary significantly across metros. Here's the full breakdown.
welder salary by city in minnesota
Salary varies considerably across Minnesota metros, driven by construction activity, industrial sector concentration, and union density.
| city | median salary | vs. MN median | key driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Minneapolis | $56,400 | +9% | medical devices, finance, union-heavy commercial |
| 2 Saint Paul | $54,049 | +5% | government, healthcare, commercial |
| 3 Rochester | $49,350 | -5% | Mayo Clinic, healthcare, medical devices |
| 4 Duluth | $43,240 | -16% | port, mining, healthcare |
| 5 Bloomington | $50,760 | -2% | Mall of America, corporate, commercial |
| 6 Brooklyn Park | $47,000 | -9% | tech, light manufacturing, suburban commercial |
| 7 Plymouth | $49,350 | -5% | medical devices, corporate campuses, commercial |
Minnesota market note: The Twin Cities' medical device industry, ongoing commercial construction, and a major MSP Airport expansion are key demand drivers.
what moves your salary in minnesota
taxes and take-home pay
Minnesota has a progressive income tax up to 9.85%. However, strong union wages offset the tax burden for many journeymen.
union vs. non-union
Minnesota has one of the highest union membership rates in the Midwest. building trades locals in Minneapolis are among the most active in the region.
licensing
To work legally as a licensed welder in Minnesota, you'll need to meet requirements set by the Minnesota Dept of Labor and Industry. This typically includes documented apprenticeship hours, passing a written trade exam, and ongoing continuing education. Each license level unlocks higher-paying work — especially the jump to journeyman, which allows independent work on permitted jobs.
how minnesota compares to other states
| state | median salary | vs. minnesota | note |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $66,700 | +29% | 9.3% state income tax |
| New York | $58,400 | +13% | NYC drives wages up; high COL |
| Illinois | $56,200 | +9% | Chicago union rates |
| Minnesota | $51,700 | — | Minneapolis metro; strong unions |
| Texas | $52,800 | +2% | no state income tax |
| National median | $47,010 | -9% | BLS OEWS 2024 |
| Florida | $45,200 | -13% | no state income tax, lower COL |
is welder a good career in minnesota right now?
The Twin Cities' medical device industry, ongoing commercial construction, and a major MSP Airport expansion are key demand drivers. BLS projects 3% job growth for welders nationally through 2032, and Minnesota tracks at or above that rate given its market conditions.
Hardhat's AI survival score for welders is 68/100 — the physical, site-specific, judgment-intensive nature of this work makes it genuinely difficult to automate. The job is not going anywhere.
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How much does a Welder make in Minnesota?
Welders in Minnesota earn a median of $51,700 per year in 2026, ranging from around $38,258 for apprentices to $80,135 or more for licensed journeymen and contractors.
What city in Minnesota pays welders the most?
Minneapolis pays the highest welder salaries in Minnesota — around $56,400 median — driven by medical devices, finance, union-heavy commercial.
Do you need a license to be a welder in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota requires licensure through the Minnesota Dept of Labor and Industry. Requirements include documented experience, passing a written trade exam, and in many cases continuing education hours.
Is there demand for welders in Minnesota?
Minnesota's welder market is driven by medical device industry, msp airport, union tradition. BLS projects 3% national job growth through 2032, and Minnesota consistently matches or exceeds that pace.
How long does it take to become a welder in Minnesota?
Typically 1–3 years — trade school plus the apprenticeship hours required to sit for the journeyman exam. Licensing is handled by the Minnesota Dept of Labor and Industry.
welder salary in other states
other trades in minnesota