Pierre vs Sioux Falls: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Pierre, SD and Sioux Falls, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pierre, SD | Sioux Falls, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,733 | $57,402▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.43 | $27.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,920 | $41,742▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,993 | $49,416▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,325 | $64,890▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,252 | $83,317▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 850▲ |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pierre.
The salary gap between Pierre and Sioux Falls is $8,669 (17.79%). Sioux Falls's median is +2.70% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pierre spans $31,332,Sioux Falls spans $41,575. Sioux Falls 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, Sioux Falls ($63,336 effective) pays 20.61% more than Pierre ($52,514 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pierre if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,402/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,317)
- ✓Larger job market (850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,336)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Pierre grew 3.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.7% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Pierre, SD
$45,337 (2024) → $46,863 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$38,420 (2019) → $55,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pierre, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Pierre or Sioux Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pierre and Sioux Falls?
Should I relocate from Pierre to Sioux Falls as a welder?
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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