Minnesota Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Trade Industry Insights / Minnesota Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Quick Takeaways on Trade Pay in Minnesota
Minnesota’s trade demand reflects a mix of utilities, manufacturing, and commercial facilities, with winter conditions shaping project timing. Mechanical, electrical, and maintenance roles supporting year-round operations tend to be the most stable.
- Higher-paying paths on this page: Lineworker, CDL Truck Driver, AV Technician.
- Highest-paying trade in Minnesota (from this table): Lineworker ($87,207)
- Typical mid-range trade pay: Median across listed trades is about $57,630 per year.
- Pay range across these trades: About $36,954 separates the highest vs lowest listed trades in Minnesota.
- Most stable demand in Minnesota: service and maintenance roles that don’t pause for weather, especially inside facilities.
- Best way to increase earnings: master cold-weather systems and reliability work—those skills stay in demand year after year.
- Top paying trades on this page: Lineworker ($87,207) · CDL Truck Driver ($73,195) · AV Technician ($67,829)
Job Outlook for Skilled Trades in Minnesota
Demand is shaped most by utilities and manufacturing shaped by extreme seasonal demands, plus licensing rules, employer mix, and metro growth.
Minnesota wages reflect weather-driven cycles, with service trades smoothing income during seasonal construction slowdowns.
- Outlook: Seasonal (weather-shaped demand)
- What drives demand: utilities and manufacturing shaped by extreme seasonal demands.
- Where it’s hottest: major metros + fast-growing corridors (varies by trade).
- Biggest pay factors: experience, union coverage, licensing, overtime, and employer type.
Average Skilled Trade Pay in Minnesota
Below is a snapshot of typical pay for popular trades in Minnesota. Click a trade name to explore training paths, licensing steps, and career details.
Note: Some trades can rank high across many states due to national labor demand and standardized pay structures, but the exact pay levels still vary by state and metro area.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $26.22 | $1,049 | $4,546 | $54,549 |
| AV Technician | $32.61 | $1,304 | $5,652 | $67,829 |
| Carpenter | $25.54 | $1,022 | $4,427 | $53,123 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $35.19 | $1,408 | $6,099 | $73,195 |
| CNC Machinist | $24.16 | $967 | $4,188 | $50,253 |
| Construction | $25.64 | $1,026 | $4,444 | $53,331 |
| Concrete Finisher | $28.11 | $1,124 | $4,872 | $58,469 |
| Diesel Technician | $29.19 | $1,168 | $5,059 | $60,715 |
| Electrician | $30.91 | $1,236 | $5,358 | $64,293 |
| Heavy Equipment | $25.23 | $986 | $4,273 | $51,278 |
| HVAC Technician | $28.43 | $1,139 | $4,937 | $59,238 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $28.10 | $1,124 | $4,871 | $58,454 |
| Ironworker | $26.77 | $1,070 | $4,639 | $55,666 |
| Lineworker | $41.93 | $1,677 | $7,267 | $87,207 |
| Marine Mechanic | $29.06 | $1,162 | $5,035 | $60,392 |
| Mason | $27.31 | $1,092 | $4,734 | $56,805 |
| Plumber | $32.77 | $1,280 | $5,546 | $66,554 |
| Roofer | $24.52 | $981 | $4,250 | $51,002 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $25.95 | $1,009 | $4,371 | $52,446 |
| Welder | $24.80 | $992 | $4,299 | $51,584 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
About this table: wage data sources and methodology.
Why Minnesota Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Minnesota’s trade economy is supported by steady residential and commercial construction, manufacturing, utilities, healthcare expansion, and public infrastructure investment. Consistent demand exists for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, pipefitters, welders, carpenters, and industrial maintenance trades—particularly across the Twin Cities metro.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul: Commercial construction, healthcare systems, higher education facilities, and transit projects.
- Rochester: Healthcare-driven construction and mechanical trades tied to large medical campuses.
- Duluth: Port operations, utilities, and regional infrastructure maintenance.
- Statewide: Ongoing need for service trades, utilities, and public works across smaller cities and rural communities.
Major Employers and Contractors in Minnesota
Tradespeople in Minnesota frequently work with employers tied to healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and utilities, including:
- Mortenson Construction — Minneapolis-based contractor active in commercial, healthcare, and infrastructure projects nationwide.
- Xcel Energy — Utility infrastructure and electrical maintenance work across the state.
- 3M — Manufacturing facilities supporting industrial maintenance and skilled mechanical trades.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Minnesota
Minnesota has a strong union presence, particularly in commercial construction, utilities, manufacturing, and public works. Non-union contractors are also common in residential construction, service trades, and smaller commercial projects.
Union Apprenticeships in Minnesota
Union apprenticeship programs are widely used for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure-focused trade careers.
- IBEW Local 292 — Electrical apprenticeships serving the Minneapolis metro area.
- IBEW Local 110 — Electrical training covering Saint Paul and surrounding regions.
- UA Local 15 — Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC apprenticeships based in Minneapolis.
- SMART Local 10 — Sheet metal and HVAC fabrication apprenticeships serving Minnesota.
- Carpenters Local 322 — Commercial and industrial carpentry training programs.
Non-Union and Open-Shop Trade Routes
Non-union trade routes are common throughout Minnesota, particularly in residential construction, service HVAC, electrical contracting, and maintenance roles. Many employers provide direct hire opportunities with on-the-job training and advancement based on experience.
Both union and non-union paths can support long-term trade careers in Minnesota. Union apprenticeships often provide access to higher-wage commercial projects, while non-union routes offer flexibility and quicker entry into the workforce.
Ready to start a trade career in Minnesota?
Compare accredited trade schools and registered apprenticeships across Minnesota.
Minnesota Trade Schools & Apprenticeships