Welder Hourly Pay in Inver Grove Heights, MN: $29.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Inver Grove Heights, MN runs $29.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,551 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Inver Grove Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,935 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Inver Grove Heights, the welder hourly pay reaches a median of $29.60, which notably exceeds the national hourly median of $26.87. This higher rate reflects the area's demand for skilled welders, particularly in industries such as structural steel fabrication and petrochemical refinement. For those considering part-time work, such as a schedule of three days a week, this hourly pay translates to an annual income that can significantly support a comfortable lifestyle. Per-diem welders often find themselves working in various environments like fabrication shops and pipeline trenching sites, typically earning between $21.68 and $42.78 per hour, depending on experience and specialization. Notably, the income potential for entry-level positions is around $21.68 per hour, while top earners in specialized niches can command rates up to $42.78 per hour, illustrating the lucrative opportunities in this field.
About the Inver Grove Heights 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) | $21.68 | $173.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.49 | $203.90 |
| Median (P50) | $29.60 | $236.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.38 | $267.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.78 | $342.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Inver Grove Heights
Based on $29.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.60/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Inver Grove Heights, MN can expect to earn approximately $61,559 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,515. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Inver Grove Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Inver Grove Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,183.82 | $5,130 | $61,559 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $710.29 | $3,078 | $36,935 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.53 | $2,052 | $24,624 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Inver Grove Heights) | $29.60 |
| 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 Inver Grove Heights, MN earn a median of $61,551 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.12% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $62,807.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.60/hr = $36,935/year (purchasing power: $37,498).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,559/year (purchasing power: $62,496).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Inver Grove Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Inver Grove Heights grew 26.5% from $22.50/hr (2019) to $28.46/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.78/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 Inver Grove Heights 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 Inver Grove Heights
The flexibility of part-time positions enables welders in Inver Grove Heights to strike a balance between work and personal commitments while still earning a competitive wage. For example, a welder working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate could take home approximately $36,928 annually, whereas full-time workers earn significantly more. Many traveling pipe welders draw substantial hourly compensation, often combined with lucrative per-diem pay that can range from $80 to $175 daily, on top of their base rates of $40 to $70 hourly. The various employer types in the area influence these rates as well; for instance, welders engaged in refinery turnarounds may see fluctuations in pay, earning $50 to $80 per hour, including possible double-time pay on weekends. As welders consider their options, many weigh the benefits of higher pay against those offered by employers providing health insurance. Negotiation skills can be crucial in this market, especially for those entering contracts with self-employed status or considering agency work, where setting favorable terms can significantly impact overall earnings.
More salary data for Inver Grove Heights, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Inver Grove Heights. 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 Inver Grove Heights 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