Trades & Labor Mitchell, SD Pop. 15,660

Welder Salary in Mitchell, South Dakota

The median welder salary in Mitchell, SD is $38,548 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 6.8% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$38,548
vs State Avg
$-2,821
vs National
$-8,462
Cost of Living
82%

Welder Pay in Mitchell: What to Expect (2026)

Mitchell offers a median welder salary of $38,548, which is $2,821 below the South Dakota state average of $41,369. Compared to the national median of $47,010, Mitchell pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Mitchell's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $38,548 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $47,010 in an average-cost city. This makes Mitchell an attractive option for welders seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for welders in Mitchell spans from $27,224 at the 10th percentile to $58,056 at the 90th percentile — a $30,832 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,240, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $55,760. Mitchell is a smaller market (pop. 15,660), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Welder Salary in Mitchell by Experience

In Mitchell, an entry-level welder earns around $26,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $55,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,360
$-8,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$55,760
$-12,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Mitchell, SD

Percentile Mitchell
10th Percentile $27,224
25th Percentile $31,816
Median (50th) $38,548
75th Percentile $47,724
90th Percentile $58,056

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
Aberdeen, SD
$39,488
Pop. 28,324

How to Become a Welder in Mitchell

Education

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

Find Welder Jobs in Mitchell

Browse open welder positions in Mitchell, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Mitchell

How much does a Welder make in Mitchell, SD? ▼
The median welder salary in Mitchell, South Dakota is $38,548 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $27,224 (10th percentile) to $58,056 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Mitchell? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,548, a welder in Mitchell earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Mitchell compare to the South Dakota state average for welder pay? ▼
Mitchell's median welder salary of $38,548 is 6.8% below the South Dakota state average of $41,369. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Mitchell, SD? ▼
Mitchell has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $38,548 in Mitchell has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Mitchell? ▼
Most welder positions in Mitchell 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.