Welder Hourly Pay in Austin, MN: $28.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Austin, MN runs $28.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,388 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Austin's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,637 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Austin, Minnesota, the projected welder hourly pay for 2026 stands at $28.56, surpassing the national median of $26.87. This competitive hourly rate provides significant earning potential for both full-time and part-time welders, especially for those working in diverse settings such as fabrication shops, manufacturing plants, and construction sites. Welders seeking part-time positions, such as those working three days a week, can expect to earn a substantial income while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly range for welders in Austin varies widely, spanning from $20.62 at entry-level positions to $39.31 for those at the top of their game, which highlights the potential for financial growth within this trade in the local economy.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.62 | $164.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.47 | $195.75 |
| Median (P50) | $28.56 | $228.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.69 | $261.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.31 | $314.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Austin
Based on $28.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.56/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Austin, MN can expect to earn approximately $59,396 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,267. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Austin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Austin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,142.23 | $4,950 | $59,396 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $685.34 | $2,970 | $35,637 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $456.89 | $1,980 | $23,758 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Austin) | $28.56 |
| Machinist (National Avg) | $25.72 |
| Sheet Metal Worker (National Avg) | $28.93 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Boilermaker (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Welders in Austin, MN earn a median of $59,388 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.25% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 5.40% below the Minnesota state average of $62,778.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.56/hr = $35,637/year (purchasing power: $36,180).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,396/year (purchasing power: $60,300).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Austin grew 26.5% from $21.71/hr (2019) to $27.46/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.70/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem welders can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austin metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Welder in Austin
Welders in Austin can navigate various work arrangements that significantly impact their overall earnings. For instance, a part-time welder working for 24 hours a week would realize a solid annual income, demonstrating how flexibility can cater to lifestyle needs without sacrificing financial stability. Additionally, per-diem opportunities abound for traveling welders, who may earn between $80 to $175 per day on top of an hourly wage ranging from $40 to $70. During refinery turnarounds, rates can swell to $50 to $80 per hour, with possibilities for double-time pay on weekends. The diversification in employer types—from structural fabrication shops to oil and gas pipeline projects—leaves room for variations in hourly rates. Welders often face a decision between opting for higher pay without benefits or lower hourly rates that include health coverage. Negotiating for pay in Austin may involve emphasizing specialized skills such as NQA-1 certification or demonstrating experience in high-demand welding processes to secure competitive rates.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for welders in Austin. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Austin is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov