Trades & Labor Rapid City, SD Pop. 74,703

Welder Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota

The median welder salary in Rapid City, SD is $42,309 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.3% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$42,309
vs State Avg
+$940
vs National
$-4,701
Cost of Living
90%

Welder Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level welder earns around $28,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,200
$-6,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rapid City, SD

Percentile Rapid City
10th Percentile $29,880
25th Percentile $34,920
Median (50th) $42,309
75th Percentile $52,380
90th Percentile $63,720

Welder Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$43,249
Pop. 192,517
Brookings, SD
$40,429
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$39,488
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$38,548
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Welder in Rapid City

Education

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

Find Welder Jobs in Rapid City

Browse open welder positions in Rapid City, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Welder make in Rapid City, SD? ▼
The median welder salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $42,309 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $29,880 (10th percentile) to $63,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Rapid City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,309, a welder in Rapid City earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for welder pay? ▼
Rapid City's median welder salary of $42,309 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $41,369. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rapid City, SD? ▼
Rapid City has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a welder salary of $42,309 in Rapid City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Rapid City? ▼
Most welder positions in Rapid City 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.