Welder Hourly Pay in Pierre, SD: $23.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Pierre, SD runs $23.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,733 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Pierre's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,239 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, the welder hourly pay stands at a median rate of $23.43, reflecting a notable gap when compared to the national hourly median of $26.87. This hourly compensation can offer varied opportunities for part-time workers who may prefer schedules such as three days a week, allowing for potential earnings of about $28,000 annually. On a typical worksite—be it a fabrication shop, pipeline trench, or refinery turnaround platform—entry-level welders might see starting rates around $17.27, while top earners could achieve rates upwards of $32.33. These hourly rates, derived from annual salary projections, indicate a competitive market, though they hover below the national average, showcasing opportunities for skilled welders who can leverage specific qualifications such as AWS certification or specialized techniques like 6G pipe welding.
About the Pierre 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) | $17.27 | $138.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.63 | $173.04 |
| Median (P50) | $23.43 | $187.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.08 | $216.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.33 | $258.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pierre
Based on $23.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.43/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pierre, SD can expect to earn approximately $48,732 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,115. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pierre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pierre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $937.16 | $4,061 | $48,732 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.29 | $2,437 | $29,239 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.86 | $1,624 | $19,493 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Pierre) | $23.43 |
| 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 Pierre, SD earn a median of $48,733 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $51,843.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.43/hr = $29,239/year (purchasing power: $31,508).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,732/year (purchasing power: $52,513).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Pierre grew 26.5% from $17.81/hr (2019) to $22.53/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.36/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 Pierre 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 Pierre
Looking at the earning potential, welders in Pierre also have various opportunities. For someone working part-time, taking home consistent pay can lead to stable earnings, but full-time welders benefit more from significantly larger annual figures. Per-diem and travel welders often enhance their base pay, with daily compensations ranging from $80 to $175 on top of hourly rates that can vary widely based on employer type. Specialized work in high-demand areas—such as oil and gas or nuclear maintenance—may command premium rates, often reaching $40-$70/hr or even more during project shutdowns, like refinery turnarounds, where they can earn $50-$80/hr plus double-time on weekends. Negotiation strategies in Pierre should therefore focus on the balance of hourly pay versus benefits; welders might find a lower hourly rate with excellent health insurance attractive compared to higher pay without benefits. Understanding these nuances can be key for welders seeking to optimize their earnings in this evolving industry.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Pierre. 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 Pierre 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