Trades & Labor South Dakota (SD) Rank #44 of 50

Ironworker Salary in South Dakota

The median ironworker salary in South Dakota is $50,600 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $57,500.

Median Salary
$50,600
vs National
$-6,900
State Rank
#44 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Ironworker Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #44 out of 50 states for ironworker compensation. Ironworker salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $50,600 per year, ironworkers in South Dakota earn $6,900 less than the national median of $57,500.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $50,600 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $57,500 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: ironworkers at the 10th percentile earn $31,680, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $80,960 — a $49,280 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Dakota for this role is Sioux Falls, where the median reaches $52,900.

Nationally, ironworker employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for ironworkers across the country.

Ironworker Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level ironworker earns around $33,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,440
$-4,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,440
$-10,560 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $50,600? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $31,680
25th Percentile $38,720
Median (50th) $50,600
75th Percentile $66,000
90th Percentile $80,960

Ironworker Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for ironworkers in South Dakota include Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Brookings. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Ironworker in South Dakota

Education

Most ironworker positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. South Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Structural SteelWeldingBlueprint ReadingRiggingSafety/Fall ProtectionPhysical Stamina

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, ironworker employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). South Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 96,800 other Ironworkers.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Ironworker Roles in South Dakota?

Get matched with recruiters hiring ironworkers in South Dakota at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Ironworker Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Ironworker make in South Dakota? ▼
The median ironworker salary in South Dakota is $50,600 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $57,500. Salaries range from $31,680 (10th percentile) to $80,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Ironworker make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,600, a ironworker in South Dakota earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for ironworkers? ▼
South Dakota ranks #44 out of 50 states for ironworker pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level ironworkers earn $33,440, while senior professionals earn $77,440.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for ironworker salary? ▼
The highest paying state for ironworkers is Hawaii at $102,350. South Dakota's median of $50,600 ranks #44 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($51,175) and Missouri ($50,600).
What is the entry-level ironworker salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level ironworker in South Dakota earns approximately $33,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $77,440.
What city in South Dakota pays ironworkers the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for ironworkers, with a median salary of $52,900. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.