Welder Salary in Shakopee, MN: $60,815 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Shakopee, MN earns a median $60,815/year (≈ $29.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Shakopee's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $61,741 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shakopee, Minnesota, the projected welder salary in 2026 is set at $60,815, outpacing the national median of $55,895 by 8.80%. This represents a robust opportunity for welders in the area, with earnings spanning from $48,103 at the lowest decile to $82,744 for those at the upper echelon. These figures reflect local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjustments based on regional cost of living, which suggests a competitive market for skilled welders. As welders can identify pathways to higher pay through investments in certifications or rig ownership, Shakopee presents a viable locale for both new and experienced professionals seeking lucrative welding opportunities.
About the Shakopee Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,103 | $23.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,202 | $26.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,815 | $29.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,050 | $33.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,744 | $39.78 |
Median Salary Position
8.80% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shakopee
In Shakopee, MN, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,641 (2026 est.). At $60,815, the local median is 8.8% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Shakopee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Shakopee Welder Pay Compares
Shakopee median: $60,815/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Shakopee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $62,761 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +8.80% more |
Welders in Shakopee, MN earn a median of $60,815 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.80% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 3.10% below the Minnesota state average of $62,761.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Shakopee 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.
Shakopee, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $60,815 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,741 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,231
2025 BLS Actual
$58,482
2026 Current Est.
$60,815
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Shakopee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,231 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,149 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,725 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,249 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,334 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,482 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,815 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,242 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Shakopee metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $46,231 (2019) to $58,482 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,242 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,011 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shakopee 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) | $48,103 – $55,202 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,202 – $60,815 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,815 – $69,050 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,050 – $82,744 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Shakopee
Analyzing the local job market, there are currently 11 welders employed in Shakopee, indicating a niche but vibrant industry. The cost-of-living index stands at 98.5, slightly below the national average, which can enhance the overall purchasing power of welders in the region. Higher compensation tends to be found at companies specializing in structural steel fabrication, oil and gas pipeline welding, and petrochemical refinery work. Factors contributing to wage disparities include certification levels, with specialties such as 6G pipe welding and NQA-1 demanding premium pay. For welders looking to maximize their earnings in Shakopee, pursuing advanced certifications and considering traveling positions that offer additional per-diem compensation can be advantageous strategies amidst the robust local market dynamics.
More salary data for Shakopee, 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 $58,482 for weldersin the Shakopee 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 Shakopee 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