📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Welder Salary in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota · 13.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$40,899
per year
Median
$38,445
per year
Hourly
$19.66
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$28,326
25th Percentile — Junior$35,424
50th Percentile — Median$38,445
75th Percentile — Senior$51,394
90th Percentile — Top Earners$57,077
💡 Top-earning Welders in South Dakota make up to $57,077 per year. The job market in South Dakota is rated moderate, with key industries including Agriculture, Finance, Tourism.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$36.1k
2021
$37.1k
2022
$38.0k
2023
$38.9k
2024
$39.9k
2025
$40.9k
2026
📈 Welder salaries in South Dakota have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in South Dakota's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Welder Salary by City in South Dakota
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $40,899 +0% High
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Welder Job Market in South Dakota
Key factors affecting compensation

South Dakota is home to a moderate job market for Welders. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Finance, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $40,899 per year, South Dakota's Welder salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in South Dakota (index: 0.87) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in South Dakota can expect to earn $28,326–$35,424, while experienced Welders can command $51,394–$57,077.

Looking ahead, the Welder profession in South Dakota is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Agriculture continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Welder salary in South Dakota is $40,899 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $47,010.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Welders the highest wages in South Dakota due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • South Dakota has a moderate job market with major industries in Agriculture, Finance, Tourism. Opportunities exist in for Welder employment.
  • At $40,899/year, South Dakota Welder salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $47,010/year.