Welder in Minnesota

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MN. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$58,730
trending_up +15.2% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Minnesota.

engineering
9,420

Jobs (MN)

monitoring Stable
+2.2%

10-yr job growth

payments
$50

Est. total cost

schedule
1 week (processing time after passing exam)

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in Minnesota

To become a certified high-pressure piping welder in Minnesota, individuals must obtain either a Journeyworker or Master High Pressure Pipefitter license through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). This involves meeting specific age and experience requirements (four years for Journeyworker, five for Master), applying to take the relevant exam, and passing it with a score of at least 70%. Minnesota does not currently have reciprocity agreements for high-pressure piping licenses with other states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $46,260
25th percentile $50,270
50th (median) $58,730
75th percentile $63,630
90th (experienced) $73,550

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Minnesota. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Minnesota requirements

Licensing bodyMinnesota Department of Labor and Industry
State license Required
EducationMust pass a performance qualification test and meet experience requirements.
ExamHigh Pressure Piping Journeyworker or Master Pipefitter Exam ($50)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesThis certification is specifically for welders working on high-pressure piping systems. To become a Journeyworker High Pressure Pipefitter, individuals must be at least 20 years old and have four years of experience. For a Master High Pressure Pipefitter license, individuals must be at least 21 years old and have five years of experience. Unlicensed individuals can assist under direct supervision if registered with DLI or in an approved apprenticeship.

Source: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+2.2%
Average
Annual openings
45,600
Nationwide per year
Total employment
457,300
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -1.20/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

Rough payback period
0 months
~$50 investment ÷ $58,730 median salary
  • check_circleMinnesota license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a welder in Minnesota? expand_more
The path to welder licensure in Minnesota: complete the required education (Must pass a performance qualification test and meet experience requirements.), and pass the High Pressure Piping Journeyworker or Master Pipefitter Exam.
Do I need a license to work as a welder in Minnesota? expand_more
A state license is required in Minnesota. Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry handles welder licensing — the High Pressure Piping Journeyworker or Master Pipefitter Exam is part of the process.
How much do welders make in Minnesota? expand_more
The median welder salary in Minnesota is $58,730 per year. This exceeds the $51,000 national median by 15%. The range spans from $46,260 at the entry level to $73,550 for top earners.
How expensive is welder licensing in Minnesota? expand_more
Plan on spending $50 total — that covers exam fee ($50) plus your education and training.
How long does it take to become a welder in Minnesota? expand_more
Expect to spend 1 week (processing time after passing exam) from start to finish in Minnesota — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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