What do skilled trades pay in Minnesota in 2026?
Median pay for 28 skilled trades in Minnesota (BLS OEWS May 2025).
In 2026, the highest-paying skilled trades in Minnesota are Elevator Installer (~$128,020) and Insulation Worker (~$105,670), across 28 trades tracked (BLS OEWS May 2025). Last updated June 2026.
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Different trades win on different measures — here's the top on each. Pick the one that matters to you.
Highest median pay
Elevator Installer
$128,020
Most jobs
Construction Laborer
28,530 jobs
Across 28 trades: $57,270–$128,020 (median $75,420).
Trades ranked by pay in Minnesota
| # | Trade | Median |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elevator Installer | $128,020 |
| 2 | Insulation Worker | $105,670 |
| 3 | Power-Line Worker | $104,180 |
| 4 | Plasterer | $102,530 |
| 5 | Boilermaker | $96,190 |
| 6 | Ironworker | $95,320 |
| 7 | Brickmason | $95,220 |
| 8 | Plumber | $94,410 |
| 9 | Pipelayer | $81,980 |
| 10 | Construction Equipment Operator | $79,130 |
See all 28
| 11 | Millwright | $78,570 |
| 12 | Electrician | $78,160 |
| 13 | Taper | $78,090 |
| 14 | HVAC Technician | $76,350 |
| 15 | Roofer | $74,490 |
| 16 | Telecom Line Installer | $73,710 |
| 17 | Sheet Metal Worker | $72,970 |
| 18 | Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $71,960 |
| 19 | Tile & Stone Setter | $70,560 |
| 20 | Cement Mason | $66,830 |
| 21 | Glazier | $66,130 |
| 22 | Carpenter | $64,930 |
| 23 | Drywall Installer | $61,290 |
| 24 | Welder | $60,280 |
| 25 | Construction Laborer | $60,260 |
| 26 | Floor Layer | $59,380 |
| 27 | Hazardous Materials Removal Worker | $59,100 |
| 28 | Painter | $57,270 |
Where is the union premium biggest in Minnesota?
Named locals and the premium over the BLS all-worker median.
We don't have union scale data for Minnesota across our trades yet — these trades are predominantly non-union, or we haven't added IBEW/UA data. Submitting your pay helps build complete data for Minnesota.
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