Welder Salary in Winona, MN: $59,505 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Winona, MN earns a median $59,505/year (≈ $28.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Winona's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $60,411 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Winona, Minnesota, can expect a median salary of $59,505, which is notably higher than the national figure of $55,895, reflecting a competitive local market. The salary range for this occupation is projected to vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $45,205 and experienced welders earning around $82,144. These estimates are derived from state-level data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and adjusted for regional price parity. Winona's job landscape indicates a solid presence for welding professionals; however, the reality of the market does require welders to consider factors like equipment investment and ownership—often leading to varying compensation based on the skills and certifications held, especially in niche sectors.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,205 | $21.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,453 | $25.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,505 | $28.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,283 | $32.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,144 | $39.50 |
Median Salary Position
6.46% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winona
In Winona, MN, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,939 (2026 est.). At $59,505, the local median is 6.46% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Winona: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Winona Welder Pay Compares
Winona median: $59,505/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winona Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $62,769 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +6.46% more |
Welders in Winona, MN earn a median of $59,505 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.46% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 5.20% below the Minnesota state average of $62,769.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winona 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.
Winona, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $59,505 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,411 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,235
2025 BLS Actual
$57,222
2026 Current Est.
$59,505
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,235 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,044 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,047 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,611 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,101 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,142 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,222 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,505 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,879 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winona metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $45,235 (2019) to $57,222 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,879 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,644 (36.79%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona 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) | $45,205 – $52,453 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,453 – $59,505 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,505 – $68,283 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,283 – $82,144 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Winona
With only four welders currently employed in the area, the job market in Winona is relatively small yet demonstrates potential for growth with an annual growth rate of 3.99%. The local cost of living, indexed at 98.5, indicates a favorable environment for welders, suggesting that take-home pay maintains a stronger purchasing power compared to more expensive urban regions. Employers in Winona that tend to offer higher wages include structural steel fabrication shops and mobile welding assignments, particularly for those with advanced certifications like the 6G pipe and ASME IX qualifications. The disparity in salary levels can often be attributed to the type of work, such as traveling positions that include per-diem benefits, which can increase earnings significantly. Welders looking to capitalize on the Winona market should focus on acquiring specialized skills and certifications, as these credentials can enhance their appeal to employers and boost potential income during peak demand cycles.
More salary data for Winona, 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
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 $57,222 for weldersin the Winona 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 Winona 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