Welder Apprenticeship in Minnesota

At $58,730/yr, Minnesota Welders earn a meaningful premium over the $48,060 national average — 22% more without requiring a bachelor's degree.

Minnesota pays modestly above the national Welder median — $58,730 vs. $51,000, a 15% premium. Not a top-paying state, but above average.

Growth projections are modest at 2.2%, though the 45,600 annual replacement openings tell a better story. Retiring baby boomers in the trades create persistent demand regardless of economic cycles.

The 9,420 Welders in Minnesota (2.2% of the national total) place the state in the middle tier for trade employment. Apprenticeship availability tracks accordingly — present but not abundant.

A Welder apprenticeship runs 3 years at 6,000 hours. The time-based structure means you're logging real work alongside experienced tradespeople from week one, learning precision measurement, CNC operations, and metallurgy in evening or weekend classes.

Program availability in Minnesota is moderate: 495 registered sponsors across the state. Apprenticeship applicants in major cities will find multiple options; those in smaller markets may need to commute or relocate within the state.

Welder compensation in Minnesota runs from $46,260 to $73,550 — a compressed $27,290 range. Less wage variation typically means more predictable career economics but fewer breakout earning opportunities.