Welder Salary in Blaine, MN: $60,970 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Blaine, MN earns a median $60,970/year (≈ $29.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Blaine's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $61,898 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the welder salary in Blaine, Minnesota, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $60,970, presenting a competitive edge over the national average of $55,895. Local wages extend significantly across a salary range, with entry-level positions starting at $45,303, while seasoned welders can see earnings peak at $87,237. These figures, derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, reveal a robust industry presence in Blaine. For aspiring rig welders, the economics of equipment investment and the potential for higher hourly rates make this a particularly inviting pathway in the local job market, as the income disparity encourages individuals to consider self-employment and specialized certifications as viable avenues for maximizing earnings.
About the Blaine Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,303 | $21.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,213 | $25.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,970 | $29.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,319 | $34.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,237 | $41.94 |
Median Salary Position
9.08% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Blaine
In Blaine, MN, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,934 (2026 est.). At $60,970, the local median is 9.08% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Blaine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Blaine Welder Pay Compares
Blaine median: $60,970/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Blaine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $62,791 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +9.08% more |
Welders in Blaine, MN earn a median of $60,970 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.08% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 2.90% below the Minnesota state average of $62,791.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Blaine has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Blaine, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $60,970 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,898 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,348
2025 BLS Actual
$58,631
2026 Current Est.
$60,970
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Blaine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,348 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,203 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,279 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,857 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,384 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,475 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,631 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,970 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,403 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Blaine metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $46,348 (2019) to $58,631 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,403 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,055 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Blaine 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $45,303 – $53,213 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,213 – $60,970 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,970 – $71,319 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,319 – $87,237 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Blaine
With 18 welders currently employed in Blaine, the local job market reflects a promising yet competitive landscape. The cost-of-living index sits at 98.5, which indicates that wages can afford a comfortable lifestyle relative to national averages. Major employers in the area include structural steel fabrication shops and oil and gas pipeline welding, both of which often provide higher compensation due to the complexities involved. The variation in welder pay within Blaine is driven by factors such as certification level, specialty area, and the prevalence of traveling positions, which can offer significant per-diem bonuses. Strategies for maximizing income include pursuing advanced certifications like the 6G pipe classification and seeking opportunities in industries like nuclear and aerospace welding, where specialized skills are highly valued. Understanding the market dynamics can empower welders to make informed decisions about their careers in Blaine, MN.
More salary data for Blaine, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $58,631 for weldersin the Blaine metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Blaine 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