Welder Career Guide in South Dakota
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in South Dakota.
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How to Become a Welder in South Dakota
Welders commonly train through South Dakota technical colleges, union apprenticeships, agricultural-equipment manufacturers, and fabrication employers. Employer performance testing is standard for many production and structural positions.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Welder Salary in South Dakota
The salary figure shown on this page represents the South Dakota median wage for welder workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $51,000, the median wage in South Dakota is approximately $1,560 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders in South Dakota
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONWelder Training Requirements in South Dakota
South Dakota welders typically develop occupational skills through technical college, apprenticeship, or structured employer training.
- Learn SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, cutting, fabrication, layout, measurement, and blueprint reading.
- Gain supervised experience in manufacturing, agricultural equipment, structural steel, or pipe welding.
- Pass employer, AWS, ASME, or project-specific performance tests when required.
- Complete hot-work, ventilation, compressed-gas, fire-prevention, and personal-protective-equipment training.
- Check municipal contractor and permit requirements before independently providing construction welding services.
Welder Training Providers in South Dakota
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Technical College | Sioux Falls | View Program |
| Western Dakota Technical College | Rapid City | View Program |
| Lake Area Technical College | Watertown | View Program |
| Mitchell Technical College | Mitchell | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESWelder Apprenticeship Programs in South Dakota
StartTodaySD Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
Welder Licensing Requirements in South Dakota
South Dakota does not issue a general occupational license for employee welders. Local contractor licensing and permits may apply. Welding associated with plumbing, gas piping, electrical systems, boilers, or public construction may require separately regulated credentials.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in South Dakota
South Dakota’s latest long-term projection indicates approximately 8% welder employment growth and about 300 annual openings during the 2022–2032 period.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the welder salary in South Dakota?
The statewide median wage for welders in South Dakota is approximately $49,440 per year, or $23.77 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does South Dakota require welder licensing?
South Dakota does not use one uniform statewide licensing rule for all welder work. Local requirements may apply, and applicants should verify the rules in the city or county where they plan to work.
How long does it take to become a welder in South Dakota?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 6 Months–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are welders in demand in South Dakota?
South Dakota projects welder employment to grow by approximately 8% from 2022 to 2032, with about 300 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- South Dakota Wages for Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. South Dakota Welder Wages
- South Dakota Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. South Dakota Welder Employment Trends
- South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation — Plumbing Commission — Licensing authority. South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation — Plumbing Commission