Trades & Labor North Dakota (ND) Rank #29 of 50

Welder Salary in North Dakota

The median welder salary in North Dakota is $44,660 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $47,010.

Median Salary
$44,660
vs National
$-2,350
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Welder Salary Overview in North Dakota (2026)

North Dakota ranks #29 out of 50 states for welder compensation. Welder salaries in North Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $44,660 per year, welders in North Dakota earn $2,350 less than the national median of $47,010.

A key advantage of working in North Dakota is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $44,660 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $49,622 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Dakota is significant: welders at the 10th percentile earn $31,540, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $67,260 — a $35,720 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Dakota for this role is Fargo, where the median reaches $46,540.

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for welders across the country.

Welder Salary in North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level welder earns around $30,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,600 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,400
$-1,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,600
$-2,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,600
$-3,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $31,540
25th Percentile $36,860
Median (50th) $44,660
75th Percentile $55,290
90th Percentile $67,260

Welder Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for welders in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Welder in North Dakota

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. North Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook in North Dakota

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). North Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Welder make in North Dakota? ▼
The median welder salary in North Dakota is $44,660 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $31,540 (10th percentile) to $67,260 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,660, a welder in North Dakota earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for welders? ▼
North Dakota ranks #29 out of 50 states for welder pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level welders earn $30,400, while senior professionals earn $64,600.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for welder salary? ▼
The highest paying state for welders is Hawaii at $83,678. North Dakota's median of $44,660 ranks #29 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wyoming ($45,130) and Illinois ($44,660).
What is the entry-level welder salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level welder in North Dakota earns approximately $30,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $45,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $64,600.
What city in North Dakota pays welders the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for welders, with a median salary of $46,540. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.