Welder Salary in Hastings, MN: $59,822 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Hastings, MN earns a median $59,822/year (≈ $28.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Hastings's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $60,733 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The 2026 median annual salary for welders in Hastings, Minnesota, is projected at $59,822, showcasing its competitive edge over the national figure of $55,895. This salary spectrum ranges from $45,528 at the 10th percentile to $80,567 at the 90th, indicating the potential for significant earnings based on skill level and work type. The estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost considerations, making the local job market particularly appealing for qualified welders. Financial dynamics shift considerably when comparing local shop pay to that of traveling pipe welders, who benefit from per-diem compensation and tax advantages that can drastically enhance their overall take-home income.
About the Hastings Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,528 | $21.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,572 | $25.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,822 | $28.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,912 | $32.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,567 | $38.74 |
Median Salary Position
7.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hastings
In Hastings, MN, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,039 (2026 est.). At $59,822, the local median is 7.03% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hastings: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hastings Welder Pay Compares
Hastings median: $59,822/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hastings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $62,773 | -4.70% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +7.03% more |
Welders in Hastings, MN earn a median of $59,822 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.03% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 4.70% below the Minnesota state average of $62,773.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hastings 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.
Hastings, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $59,822 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,733 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,476
2025 BLS Actual
$57,527
2026 Current Est.
$59,822
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Hastings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,476 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,295 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,313 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,881 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,379 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,527 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,822 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,209 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hastings metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $45,476 (2019) to $57,527 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,209 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,733 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hastings 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) | $45,528 – $52,572 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,572 – $59,822 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,822 – $67,912 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,912 – $80,567 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Hastings
In Hastings, the welding job market is somewhat limited, with only five welders currently employed in the area. This small workforce is further accentuated by a relatively low cost-of-living index of 98.5, which supports a favorable purchasing power for welders despite competitive salaries. Employers in Hastings who are willing to pay premium wages include structural steel fabrication shops and oil and gas pipeline welders navigating cross-country projects. To optimize earning potential, welders should pursue advanced certifications such as the 6G pipe and ASME IX, as these skills command higher rates—especially in niches like nuclear maintenance and aerospace. Given the cyclical nature of the industry and the aging workforce, welders who can adapt and specialize are positioned for better compensation in Hastings, MN.
More salary data for Hastings, 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 $57,527 for weldersin the Hastings 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 Hastings 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