Welders Salary

Minneapolis vs Shoreview: Welder Salary (2026)

Compare welder salaries between Minneapolis, MN and Shoreview, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Minneapolis, MN
$64,349
$30.94/hr
Shoreview, MN
$59,480
$28.60/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMinneapolis, MNShoreview, MN
Median Salary$64,349$59,480
Hourly Rate$30.94$28.60
Entry Level (P10)$50,279$44,896
25th Percentile$57,215$51,080
75th Percentile$75,018$68,227
Top Earner (P90)$79,708$82,063
Total Employed4,6006
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Minneapolis ($64,349) and Shoreview ($59,480) welder salaries.MinneapolisShoreviewMedian Salary$64,349$59,480Entry Level (P10)$50,279$44,896Top Earner (P90)$79,708$82,063US Median $55,895

Verdict

Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Shoreview.

The salary gap between Minneapolis and Shoreview is $4,869 (8.19%). Minneapolis's median is +15.12% compared to the US national median of $55,895.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $29,429,Shoreview spans $37,167. Shoreview has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.

Minneapolis
P10 (Entry)$50,279
P25$57,215
Median$64,349
P75$75,018
P90 (Top)$79,708
Shoreview
P10 (Entry)$44,896
P25$51,080
Median$59,480
P75$68,227
P90 (Top)$82,063

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Minneapolis ($61,389 effective) pays 1.66% more than Shoreview ($60,386 effective).

Minneapolis
Nominal: $64,349
CoL Index: 104.822
Adjusted: $61,389
Shoreview
Nominal: $59,480
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $60,386

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Minneapolis if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,349/year)
  • Larger job market (4,600 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,389)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Shoreview if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($82,063)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Minneapolis grew 25.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.7% growth in Shoreview over the same period.

Minneapolis, MN

+25.6%

$49,280 (2019) → $61,880 (2025)

Shoreview, MN

+5.7%

$54,119 (2024) → $57,198 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays welders more: Minneapolis or Shoreview?

Minneapolis has a higher median welder salary at $64,349/year, compared to Shoreview at $59,480/year — a difference of $4,869 (8.19%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Shoreview?

Minneapolis welders earn $30.94/hr while Shoreview hygienists earn $28.60/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Shoreview as a welder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Minneapolis and Shoreview. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Minneapolis = $61,389, Shoreview = $60,386), job availability (4,600 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level welders earn in Minneapolis vs Shoreview?

Entry-level (10th percentile) welders earn $50,279 in Minneapolis and $44,896 in Shoreview. The Minneapolis area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Priya Singh, CWIData verified by Liam O'Connor, Welding Instructor

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