Welder Career Guide in Minnesota
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Minnesota.
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How to Become a Welder in Minnesota
Minnesota welders commonly train through Minnesota State colleges, registered apprenticeships, union training centers, or manufacturing employers. Programs may include manual welding, robotic welding, nondestructive testing, fabrication, blueprint reading, inspection, and safety.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Welder Salary in Minnesota
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Minnesota median wage for welder workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $51,000, the median wage in Minnesota is approximately $7,730 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in Minnesota
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONWelder Training Requirements in Minnesota
Minnesota welders generally qualify through a college welding program, registered apprenticeship, military training, or supervised employment.
- Learn SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, thermal cutting, fabrication, and print reading.
- Develop knowledge of welding symbols, materials, distortion control, quality inspection, and metallurgy.
- Complete applicable OSHA and hot-work safety training.
- Pass employer, union, or project-specific performance tests.
- Obtain AWS, ASME, API, or pressure-piping qualifications when required.
Welder Training Providers in Minnesota
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Ridgewater College – Welding | Willmar/Hutchinson | View Program |
| Minneapolis College – Welding and Metal Fabrication | Minneapolis | View Program |
| Saint Paul College – Welding Technology | Saint Paul | View Program |
| Central Lakes College – Welding and Fabrication | Brainerd | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESWelder Apprenticeship Programs in Minnesota
Ironworker and Structural Welding Apprenticeship
Organization: Iron Workers Local 512
Welder Licensing Requirements in Minnesota
Minnesota does not require a general statewide occupational license for employee welders. Employers and project owners may require AWS, ASME, API, structural-steel, pipe, pressure-system, or company-specific welder qualifications. Boiler, high-pressure piping, pipeline, and public infrastructure work may have additional regulatory requirements.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in Minnesota
Minnesota welding employment is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 9,990 to 10,600 jobs. About 1,060 openings per year are projected.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the welder salary in Minnesota?
The statewide median wage for welders in Minnesota is approximately $58,730 per year, or $28.24 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Minnesota require welder licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for welder workers in Minnesota. Local jurisdictions, employers, or specific work scopes may still impose requirements, so applicants should verify current rules before beginning work.
How long does it take to become a welder in Minnesota?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 6 Months–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are welders in demand in Minnesota?
Minnesota projects welder employment to grow by approximately 6% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,060 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Minnesota Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Minnesota Welder Wages
- Minnesota Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Minnesota Welder Employment Trends
- No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority / Minnesota Registered Apprenticeship — Licensing authority. No Statewide Welder Licensing Authority / Minnesota Registered Apprenticeship