Welder Salary in Brookings, SD: $40,429 (2026)

Welder Pay in Brookings: What to Expect (2026)

Brookings offers a median welder salary of $40,429, which is $940 below the South Dakota state average of $41,369. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Brookings pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Brookings's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $40,429 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $47,010 in an average-cost city. This makes Brookings an attractive option for welders seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for welders in Brookings spans from $28,552 at the 10th percentile to $60,888 at the 90th percentile — a $32,336 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,520, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $58,480. Brookings is a smaller market (pop. 24,194), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Welder Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level welder earns around $27,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$27,520

$-4,480 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$41,280

$-6,720 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$58,480

$-9,520 vs national

Percentile	Brookings	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$28,552	$29,216	$33,200
25th Percentile	$33,368	$34,144	$38,800
Median (50th)	$40,429	$41,369	$47,010
75th Percentile	$50,052	$51,216	$58,200
90th Percentile	$60,888	$62,304	$70,800

Percentile

Brookings

10th Percentile

$28,552

25th Percentile

$33,368

Median (50th)

$40,429

75th Percentile

$50,052

90th Percentile

$60,888

How to Become a Welder in Brookings

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. Brookings 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 Brookings may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Brookings

How much does a Welder make in Brookings, SD? ▼

The median welder salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $40,429 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $28,552 (10th percentile) to $60,888 (90th percentile).

How much does a Welder make per hour in Brookings? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $40,429, a welder in Brookings earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for welder pay? ▼

Brookings's median welder salary of $40,429 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $41,369. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Brookings, SD? ▼

Brookings has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $40,429 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Brookings? ▼

Most welder positions in Brookings 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.

Welder Salary in Brookings, South Dakota