Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| South Dakota | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $49,440 | $53,934 | -8% |
| Median hourly wage | $23.77 | $25.93 | -8% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $55,801.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City-level data coming soon. | ||||
The median annual salary for a Welder in South Dakota is $49,440, or about $23.77 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Welders is $53,934. South Dakota is -8% below the national median.
Entry-level welders in South Dakota typically earn from varies by experience depending on the city and employer.
With 3,250 welder jobs on record and a median salary of $49,440, South Dakota offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.