Welder Hourly Pay in Aberdeen, SD: $23.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Aberdeen, SD runs $23.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,293 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Aberdeen's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,577 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aberdeen, South Dakota, the welder hourly pay is projected to reach $23.70 in 2026, which falls below the national median hourly rate of $26.87. This difference may be significant for those considering part-time positions or per-diem work, particularly when welders are employed at fabrication shops or in pipeline welding. For individuals working three days a week, averaging about 24 hours, the effective income could still be substantial, allowing for flexible career choices across various sectors. The hourly pay in Aberdeen ranges from an entry-level $18.10 to a peak of $32.78 for experienced welders, reflecting the varied skill levels and expertise found in this profession. Estimated figures gleaned from annual salary data, however, should be considered carefully as they provide insight into what welders might earn based on location and job type.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Welder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.10 | $144.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.96 | $167.72 |
| Median (P50) | $23.70 | $189.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.82 | $222.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.78 | $262.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aberdeen
Based on $23.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.70/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aberdeen, SD can expect to earn approximately $49,295 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,439. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aberdeen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aberdeen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $947.97 | $4,108 | $49,295 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $568.78 | $2,465 | $29,577 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $379.19 | $1,643 | $19,718 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Aberdeen) | $23.70 |
| Machinist (National Avg) | $25.72 |
| Sheet Metal Worker (National Avg) | $28.93 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Boilermaker (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Welders in Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $49,293 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $51,888.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.70/hr = $29,577/year (purchasing power: $31,872).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,295/year (purchasing power: $53,119).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Aberdeen grew 26.5% from $18.02/hr (2019) to $22.79/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.64/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem welders can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aberdeen metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Welder in Aberdeen
When examining part-time earnings in detail, a 3-day workweek for welders would yield earnings significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Typically, full-time welders may secure benefits alongside their hourly wages, leading many to prefer stability over top-dollar pay, especially when health insurance is factored in. Per diem welder pay in Aberdeen can vary; traveling welders often receive additional compensation ranging from $80 to $175 for daily expenses, which enhances their overall income, especially on high-demand projects such as refinery turnarounds which can offer $50 to $80 per hour, plus double-time on weekends during shutdowns. Furthermore, self-employed rig welder owner-operators can charge between $90 to $160 an hour for their services, depending on the complexity and location of the job. Understanding these levels of compensation helps welders negotiate their pay effectively in Aberdeen, where local demand combined with an aging workforce creates unique opportunities for skilled trades.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for welders in Aberdeen. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aberdeen is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov