Welder in Minnesota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MN
How to Become a Welder in Minnesota
To become a certified high-pressure piping welder in Minnesota, individuals must obtain either a Journeyworker or Master High Pressure Pipefitter license through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). This involves meeting specific age and experience requirements (four years for Journeyworker, five for Master), applying to take the relevant exam, and passing it with a score of at least 70%. Minnesota does not currently have reciprocity agreements for high-pressure piping licenses with other states.
Welder Requirements in Minnesota
| Detail | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Must pass a performance qualification test and meet experience requirements. |
| Exam | High Pressure Piping Journeyworker or Master Pipefitter Exam ($50) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | This certification is specifically for welders working on high-pressure piping systems. To become a Journeyworker High Pressure Pipefitter, individuals must be at least 20 years old and have four years of experience. For a Master High Pressure Pipefitter license, individuals must be at least 21 years old and have five years of experience. Unlicensed individuals can assist under direct supervision if registered with DLI or in an approved apprenticeship. |
Welder Salary in Minnesota
The median welder salary in Minnesota is $58,730 per year, which is 15.2% above the national median of $51,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $46,260 |
| 25th | $50,270 |
| 50th (median) | $58,730 |
| 75th | $63,630 |
| 90th (experienced) | $73,550 |
Minnesota employs approximately 9,420 welders.
Welder Job Outlook
AI Impact on Welders
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.20/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Welder in Minnesota Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $50 and a median salary of $58,730 in Minnesota, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: Minnesota's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.