Brookings vs Rapid City: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Brookings, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brookings, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,922 | $53,752▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.04 | $25.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,044 | $39,870▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,258 | $46,068▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $54,460 | $65,680▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,634 | $73,833▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookings.
The salary gap between Brookings and Rapid City is $5,830 (12.17%). Rapid City's median is -3.83% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookings spans $26,590,Rapid City spans $33,963. Rapid City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rapid City ($60,287 effective) pays 16.74% more than Brookings ($51,640 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brookings if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,752/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,833)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,287)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Brookings grew 3.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.6% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Brookings, SD
$44,582 (2024) → $46,083 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$36,250 (2019) → $51,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookings, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Brookings or Rapid City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brookings and Rapid City?
Should I relocate from Brookings to Rapid City as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Brookings vs Rapid City?
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov