Welder Hourly Pay in Vermillion, SD: $23.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a welder working in Vermillion, SD runs $23.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,909 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Weighted against Vermillion's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,746 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vermillion, South Dakota, the welder hourly pay stands at $23.03, which falls distinctly below the national median of $26.87. For part-time welders, this translates to around $1,104 weekly for a typical 40-hour schedule; however, those working three days a week would take home approximately $883. The hourly range reflects the spectrum of the profession, from entry-level positions earning about $18.28 to experienced professionals reaching up to $31.05 per hour. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, provide insights into pay that welders in various settings, such as fabrication shops, pipeline trenches, or during refinery turnarounds, can expect. The ability to earn significantly hinges on skill level, certifications, and the specific demands of their work environments.
About the Vermillion 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) | $18.28 | $146.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.79 | $166.30 |
| Median (P50) | $23.03 | $184.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.66 | $213.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.05 | $248.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vermillion
Based on $23.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.03/hr, a welder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vermillion, SD can expect to earn approximately $47,910 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,641. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Vermillion.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vermillion
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $921.35 | $3,993 | $47,910 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $552.81 | $2,396 | $28,746 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $368.54 | $1,597 | $19,164 |
Compare WLD Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Welder (Vermillion) | $23.03 |
| 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 Vermillion, SD earn a median of $47,909 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.29% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 7.60% below the South Dakota state average of $51,850.
Welder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.03/hr = $28,746/year (purchasing power: $30,976).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,910/year (purchasing power: $51,627).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Welders in Vermillion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for welders in Vermillion grew 26.5% from $17.51/hr (2019) to $22.15/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.95/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 Vermillion 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 Vermillion
Considering the earning potential, part-time welders working three days a week may find themselves earning about $45,956 annually while full-time workers can expect higher earnings resulting from more hours. For those in specialized positions, such as traveling pipe welders, the compensation can be even more lucrative, with base hourly rates from $40-$70 coupled with significant per-diem allowances ranging from $80-$175 per day. Some roles during refinery shutdowns can command even higher rates, including potential double-time pay on weekends. Employer types in Vermillion significantly influence hourly pay; structural fabrication shops may offer differing rates compared to the oil and gas sector where skilled welders with certifications like AWS can demand strong pay packages. Ultimately, welders must weigh the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits, such as health insurance, when negotiating their compensation in the competitive market of Vermillion.
More salary data for Vermillion, 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 Vermillion. 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 Vermillion 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