Prior Lake vs St. Cloud: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Prior Lake, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Prior Lake, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,454 | $65,327▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.54 | $31.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,796 | $50,446▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,823 | $59,098▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,258 | $70,880▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,497▲ | $83,754 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 620▲ |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Prior Lake.
The salary gap between Prior Lake and St. Cloud is $3,873 (6.30%). St. Cloud's median is +16.87% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Prior Lake spans $43,701,St. Cloud spans $33,308. Prior Lake 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, St. Cloud ($74,547 effective) pays 19.49% more than Prior Lake ($62,390 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Prior Lake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,497)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,327/year)
- ✓Larger job market (620 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,547)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Prior Lake grew 5.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.9% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Prior Lake, MN
$55,915 (2024) → $59,096 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$48,360 (2019) → $62,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Prior Lake, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Prior Lake or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Prior Lake and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Prior Lake to St. Cloud as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Prior Lake vs St. Cloud?
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