Trades & Labor Aberdeen, SD Pop. 28,324

Welder Salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota

The median welder salary in Aberdeen, SD is $39,488 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 4.5% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$39,488
vs State Avg
$-1,881
vs National
$-7,522
Cost of Living
84%

Welder Pay in Aberdeen: What to Expect (2026)

Aberdeen offers a median welder salary of $39,488, which is $1,881 below the South Dakota state average of $41,369. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Aberdeen pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Aberdeen's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $39,488 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $47,010 in an average-cost city. This makes Aberdeen an attractive option for welders seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for welders in Aberdeen spans from $27,888 at the 10th percentile to $59,472 at the 90th percentile — a $31,584 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,880, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $57,120. Aberdeen is a smaller market (pop. 28,324), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Welder Salary in Aberdeen by Experience

In Aberdeen, an entry-level welder earns around $26,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,880
$-5,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,320
$-7,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,120
$-10,880 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aberdeen, SD

Percentile Aberdeen
10th Percentile $27,888
25th Percentile $32,592
Median (50th) $39,488
75th Percentile $48,888
90th Percentile $59,472

Welder Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$43,249
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$42,309
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$40,429
Pop. 24,194
Mitchell, SD
$38,548
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Welder in Aberdeen

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Aberdeen and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Aberdeen may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Welder Jobs in Aberdeen

Browse open welder positions in Aberdeen, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Aberdeen

How much does a Welder make in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
The median welder salary in Aberdeen, South Dakota is $39,488 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $27,888 (10th percentile) to $59,472 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Aberdeen? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,488, a welder in Aberdeen earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aberdeen compare to the South Dakota state average for welder pay? ▼
Aberdeen's median welder salary of $39,488 is 4.5% below the South Dakota state average of $41,369. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aberdeen, SD? ▼
Aberdeen has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $39,488 in Aberdeen has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Aberdeen? ▼
Most welder positions in Aberdeen require a high school diploma. Key skills include MIG/TIG Welding, Blueprint Reading, Metal Fabrication, Quality Inspection. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.