Welding Careers in Plymouth, Minnesota: A Local's Guide

Plymouth, Minnesota isn't the first city you think of for welding, but for a certain type of welder, it's a hidden gem. Tucked between the suburban sprawl of the Twin Cities and the industrial pockets of the northwest metro, Plymouth offers a unique blend of job stability, reasonable living costs, and a high quality of life. As a local who has seen the city's industrial corridors evolve, I can tell you that the welding scene here is less about flashy, high-profile fabrication and more about steady, skilled work in manufacturing, aerospace, and medical device support.

This guide is for welders considering a move here—whether you're fresh out of trade school or a seasoned pro looking for a change. We'll cut through the fluff and look at the real numbers, the real employers, and the real lifestyle you can expect in Plymouth, MN.

The Salary Picture: Where Plymouth Stands

Let's get straight to the data. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market surveys, the welding profession in the Plymouth metro area is stable but not booming. The median salary for a welder in Plymouth is $50,259 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.16. This is slightly above the national average of $49,590, a modest but meaningful buffer that reflects Minnesota's generally higher cost of living.

It's crucial to understand that this median number is a midpoint. Your actual earnings will swing dramatically based on your specialty, certifications, and the specific employer. The 10-year job growth for welders in this metro is projected at 2%, which is slower than the national average. This isn't a growth industry, but it's not declining either. There are approximately 155 welding jobs in the Plymouth metro area at any given time, which translates to steady demand for qualified workers but less competition than in larger industrial hubs.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential in Plymouth is directly tied to your experience and the complexity of the work you can handle.

Experience Level	Typical Years in Field	Estimated Annual Salary (Plymouth)	Common Certifications
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$38,000 - $44,000	AWS D1.1 Basic, OSHA 10
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$48,000 - $58,000	AWS D1.1 Advanced, ASME Section IX
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$60,000 - $75,000	AWS D1.5 (Bridge), API 1104 (Pipeline)
Expert/Supervisor	15+ years	$75,000 - $90,000+	CWI (Certified Welding Inspector), NDT Level II

Insider Tip: The jump from Mid-Level to Senior-Level often happens when you add a specialty like aluminum TIG for aerospace or stainless for medical fabrication. In Plymouth, these are the certs that pay off.

Comparison to Other MN Cities

Plymouth's wages are competitive but not the top tier in Minnesota. Here's how it stacks up:

City	Median Salary	Key Industries
Plymouth	$50,259	Aerospace, Medical Devices, General Manufacturing
Minneapolis	$53,500	Heavy Equipment, Bridge & Structural, Energy
St. Cloud	$48,100	Food Processing, Paper Mills, General Manufacturing
Rochester	$51,800	Medical Devices (Mayo Clinic supply chain), Construction

Minneapolis offers higher wages but comes with a longer, more expensive commute. Rochester is a strong competitor, especially for welders with medical device experience. Plymouth's advantage is its location: you can access higher-paying jobs in Minneapolis without the city's cost of living, if you're willing to commute.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $50,259 sounds decent, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Plymouth? Let's break it down for a single filer with no dependents.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Welder earning $50,259/year)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,188
• Est. Taxes (Federal, FICA, State - ~22%): -$921
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,267/month

The Rent Hurdle:
Plymouth's average 1-bedroom rent is $1,201/month. This means housing alone would consume 37% of your net take-home pay. While this is slightly above the recommended 30% threshold, it's manageable if you budget carefully. The Cost of Living Index for Plymouth is 104.5, meaning it's 4.5% more expensive than the national average, driven primarily by housing.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
With a net monthly income of $3,267, saving for a down payment while renting is a challenge. The median home price in Plymouth is around $410,000. A standard 20% down payment would be $82,000. Saving $1,000/month (a stretch) would take nearly 7 years. However, many buyers use FHA or other low-down-payment programs. With a credit score over 720, you could potentially enter the market with as little as 3-5% down, but you'll face higher monthly payments and PMI. Realistically, a welder at the median salary would need dual income or to be at the Senior-Level ($60k+) to comfortably afford a home in Plymouth without being house-poor.

Where the Jobs Are: Plymouth's Major Employers

Plymouth's welding jobs are concentrated in a few key industrial parks, notably along Highway 55, near 36th Avenue, and in the Bass Lake Road corridor. Here are the primary employers you should target.

1. CIRCOR Aerospace & Defense: Located in nearby Chanhassen but a major employer for Plymouth residents. They manufacture fluid systems for aerospace and defense. They often hire welders for precision TIG work on titanium and stainless components. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on welders who can read complex blueprints and work in clean environments.

2. Team Mfg. Solutions: A full-service contract manufacturer right in Plymouth. They serve the medical device, aerospace, and energy sectors. This is a prime spot for welders wanting variety. Hiring Trend: They actively recruit for both manual and robotic welding (MIG/TIG) positions. Experience with ISO 13485 (medical devices) is a huge plus.

3. Plymouth Tube Company: A classic metal fabrication shop. They work on structural components, stairs, railings, and custom metalwork. This is more traditional MIG and stick welding. Hiring Trend: They hire frequently for production welders. It's a good entry point to build experience.

4. Polaris Industries (Off-road Vehicles): While their main HQ is in Medina, their manufacturing footprint touches the Plymouth area. They need welders for chassis and frame assembly. Hiring Trend: Cyclical with the economy, but they maintain a steady base of welding jobs. Experience with high-volume robotic welding is highly desirable.

5. Honeywell Aerospace (Nearby): Headquartered in Minneapolis, Honeywell has significant operations in the northwest metro. They produce auxiliary power units and other aircraft systems. Hiring Trend: Hiring is consistent but competitive. They prioritize welders with ASME Section IX certifications and experience in high-purity applications.

6. Local Fabrication Shops: Numerous smaller shops (like Plymouth Iron & Metal or Advanced Fabrication Inc.) serve general contractors, the agricultural sector, and local municipalities. These are often the best places for custom work and learning a variety of techniques.

Insider Tip: Many of these companies use staffing agencies like Aerotek or Express Employment Professionals in Plymouth for initial contract-to-hire roles. Applying through these agencies can be a faster path to a permanent job than cold-calling the HR department.

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota does not have a state-specific welding license. Instead, your credibility comes from certifications issued by independent bodies, most commonly the American Welding Society (AWS).

Key Requirements & Certifications:

• AWS Certified Welder: This is the golden ticket. The most common is the AWS D1.1 (Structural Steel). You must pass a practical test (welding a specific joint) and a written exam. Tests are administered at accredited test facilities (ATFs) across the state.
• ASME Section IX: Critical for pressure vessels and boiler work. Essential for jobs in power generation or chemical processing.
• API 1104: For pipeline welding.
• State of Minnesota Construction Welder License: For work on public infrastructure (bridges, state buildings). This requires passing a state-administered written exam and may require a CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) to oversee your work.

Costs and Timeline:

• AWS D1.1 Test: $200 - $400 per position (e.g., 3G/4G for plate). This is your most important initial investment.
• Training/Coursework: A certificate program at a local tech school (like Dunwoody College of Technology or Hennepin Technical College) costs $3,000 - $6,000 and takes 1-2 years. Many employers will pay for this.
• Timeline: If you start with no experience, expect 1-2 years of schooling/ apprenticeship to become employable at a mid-level wage. If you're already certified, you can start applying immediately.

Insider Tip: The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) website is your best resource for state-specific requirements for construction licenses. For AWS certs, contact test facilities directly.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Where you live in Plymouth affects your commute, rent, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown from a local’s perspective.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for a Welder
Downtown Plymouth	Walkable, urban feel. 10-20 min to most employers.	$1,350 - $1,500	Close to everything. Easy to pop home for lunch. Higher rent, but saves on gas.
Bass Lake Road Area	Suburban, quiet, family-friendly. 15-25 min commute.	$1,150 - $1,250	Close to the industrial parks north of 55. More affordable, great for night-shift workers.
East Plymouth (near 36th Ave)	Older, established. 10-15 min commute to most shops.	$1,100 - $1,200	Central location. Some older, more affordable apartments. Easy access to Highway 55.
West Plymouth (near Hwy 101)	Newer developments, more expensive. 20-30 min commute.	$1,300 - $1,450	Quieter, more modern amenities. Further from the core industrial zone, so longer commute.
Near Medicine Lake	Scenic, more rural feel. 20-30 min commute.	$1,200 - $1,350 (for older units)	Good for those who want space and nature. Commute can be tricky in winter with snow.

Insider Tip: If you work a second shift (3 PM - 11 PM), living near Bass Lake Road or East Plymouth is ideal. The commute is short, and you miss the worst of rush hour traffic. For first-shift welders, being near Highway 55 is key.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Plymouth, career growth for welders isn't about climbing a corporate ladder in a single company. It's about diversifying your skill set to move between employers for higher pay.

Specialty Premiums:

• Robotic Welding Programmer: +$3-$5/hour. Companies like Team Mfg. and Polaris are investing in automation.
• Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): Can push you over $85,000/year. This requires more schooling and testing but is in high demand for quality control.
• Aluminum/Exotic Metals TIG: +$2-$4/hour. Essential for aerospace and medical device work.
• NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) Certifications: Level II in PT, MT, or UT can add $5/hour or more.

10-Year Outlook:
The 2% job growth is telling. This isn't a field that will flood with new openings. However, the retirement wave of older skilled tradespeople will create vacancies. The key to advancement will be adaptability. Welders who can transition from manual to automated processes, who understand quality systems (like AS9100 for aerospace), and who can potentially move into a lead or supervisory role will thrive. The demand for welders in the medical device sector, which is strong in the Twin Cities, will provide a stable, long-term opportunity for those with the right certs.

The Verdict: Is Plymouth Right for You?

Plymouth offers a balanced, stable career for a welder who values quality of life over high-intensity growth. It's a place to build a career, not just a job.

Pros & Cons for a Welder in Plymouth

Pros	Cons
Stable, consistent employers in aerospace and medical.	Slower job growth (2%) means less frequent openings.
Competitive wages that beat the national average.	Rent is high relative to the median salary, making homeownership tough on a single income.
High quality of life: safe, clean, with easy access to lakes and parks.	Limited nightlife/culture compared to Minneapolis.
Central location in the Twin Cities metro for job-hopping.	Winters are long and harsh, which can impact commutes and some outdoor work.
No state welding license, lowering the barrier to entry.	Specialization is key; generalists may hit a salary ceiling.

Final Recommendation:
Plymouth is an excellent choice for a mid-career welder with a specialty (like aerospace or medical) who wants a stable job, a reasonable commute, and a safe place to live. It's also a good fit for an entry-level welder willing to start at a lower wage to gain experience with top-tier employers. For those seeking rapid career advancement or who prefer a more urban, dynamic environment, Minneapolis might be a better fit despite the higher costs. For a welder who values a work-life balance in a community-oriented suburb, Plymouth is a solid, data-driven bet.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to live in Plymouth to get a welding job there?
A: No, but it helps. Many welders live in nearby cities like Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, or even Minneapolis and commute. Living in Plymouth itself can give you an edge for jobs that prioritize local candidates, especially for entry-level roles.

Q: What's the best way to find a welding job in Plymouth?
A: Start with the major employers listed above and check their career pages. Next, register with local staffing agencies (Aerotek, Express Employment). Use Indeed and LinkedIn, but filter for "Plymouth, MN" and surrounding zip codes (55441, 55442). Networking on local trade forums or attending a local AWS section meeting is also effective.

Q: Is it worth getting a higher education (like an Associate's degree) in welding?
A: In Plymouth, a certificate from a technical college is often sufficient and more cost-effective. An Associate's degree is more valuable if you want to move into engineering or management later. For pure welding, hands-on certification (AWS, ASME) is what gets you hired.

Q: How do winters affect welding jobs here?
A: For shop-based welders, winters are fine—it's mostly indoor work. For field welders (construction, pipeline), winter can slow down projects. Many companies lay off seasonal outdoor workers in January-February. Shop jobs are more stable year-round.

Q: What's the biggest mistake newcomers make when moving here for welding?
A: Underestimating the importance of certifications and the local cost of living. Showing up with just general experience and expecting a high wage won't work. Get AWS D1.1 certified first, and have a housing budget that accounts for rent, not just the advertised salary.