Duluth vs Rochester: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Duluth, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,701 | $62,789▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.70 | $30.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,241 | $50,487▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,349 | $57,122▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,990▲ | $63,132 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,429▲ | $75,237 |
| Total Employed | 370 | 510▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.
The salary gap between Duluth and Rochester is $3,088 (5.17%). Rochester's median is +12.33% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $36,188,Rochester spans $24,750. Duluth has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($69,135 effective) pays 2.80% more than Duluth ($67,255 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,429)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,789/year)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,135)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Duluth grew 0.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 47.0% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$56,920 (2019) → $57,410 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$41,070 (2019) → $60,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Duluth or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Duluth to Rochester as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Duluth vs Rochester?
Related Comparisons
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov