The Complete Career Guide for Plumbers in Sioux Falls, SD

Thinking about a move to Sioux Falls for your plumbing career? You're looking at a city that offers a unique combination of a low cost of living, a strong local economy, and a steady demand for skilled trades. As a local analyst, I’ve broken down everything you need to know—from your paycheck to your commute—to help you decide if this is the right place to lay down roots.

The Salary Picture: Where Sioux Falls Stands

The salary data for plumbers in Sioux Falls tells a compelling story. The median salary for a plumber here is $61,506/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $29.57/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, but the key to understanding your earning potential lies in the local context. With a cost of living index of 90.3 (100 being the national average), your dollar goes significantly further here than in many major metro areas.

The job market is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 412 plumber jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 6%. This isn't a boom town for plumbers, but it offers consistent, reliable work without the intense competition of larger coastal cities.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a realistic look at what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in Sioux Falls:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000	$21.63 - $25.00
Mid-Career	2-7 years	$58,000 - $68,000	$27.88 - $32.69
Senior/Specialist	7-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.65 - $40.87
Expert/Foreman	15+ years	$86,000+	$41.35+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local market data and specific company pay scales. Union positions (Local 354) often come with higher base pay and better benefits packages.

Comparison to Other SD Cities

Sioux Falls sits in the middle of South Dakota's plumbing pay scale. It's more lucrative than smaller markets but often trails the specialized work found in the state's industrial hubs.

• Sioux Falls: $61,506 (Median)
• Rapid City: $59,800 (Median) - Similar cost of living, but more seasonal work due to tourism.
• Aberdeen/Brookings: $55,000 - $58,000 (Median) - Lower salaries but also significantly lower housing costs.
• Industrial Hubs (e.g., near Dell Rapids): $65,000+ - For plumbers with specialized skills in agricultural or industrial systems.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A plumber earning the median salary of $61,506 has a monthly take-home pay of approximately $3,850 after an estimated 25% for federal/state taxes and FICA. This is a conservative estimate; your actual take-home will depend on your filing status, benefits, and retirement contributions.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes for a Plumber in Sioux Falls
Take-Home Pay	$3,850	After ~25% deductions
Average 1BR Rent	$884	Citywide average; varies by neighborhood
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150 - $200	Winter heating bills can be higher
Groceries	$350	For one person
Car Payment + Insurance	$400	Essential for commutes; insurance is reasonable
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$150	Varies by employer plan
Tools & Maintenance	$100	Professional upkeep is a must
Food/Entertainment	$300	Sioux Falls has a growing food scene
Savings/Retirement	$500	Strongly recommended
Remaining/Discretionary	$816	For debt, savings goals, or lifestyle

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With $816 remaining after essential expenses, a plumber in Sioux Falls is in a strong position to save for a down payment. The median home price in the Sioux Falls metro is approximately $280,000. A 10% down payment is $28,000. With disciplined saving, this is an attainable goal within 2-3 years. The cost of living index of 90.3 makes homeownership far more accessible here than in national markets.

Where the Jobs Are: Sioux Falls's Major Employers

The demand for plumbers in Sioux Falls is driven by three main sectors: healthcare, construction, and facility maintenance. Here are the key local employers to target:

1. Avera Health & Sanford Health: These are the two giant healthcare systems dominating the city. They maintain massive campuses (Avera McKennan, Sanford USD Medical Center) and hundreds of clinics. They hire in-house maintenance plumbers and work with large mechanical contractors for renovations. The work is steady, union-scale, and benefits are excellent.

2. City of Sioux Falls (Public Works): The city employs plumbers for water main and sewer line maintenance, park facilities, and municipal building upkeep. These are stable, government jobs with pensions. Hiring is competitive and often tied to civil service exams.

3. Large Mechanical Contractors: Companies like A.O. Smith (a major manufacturer), Sioux Falls Mechanical, and H & H Mechanical do commercial and industrial work. They handle new hospital wings, school expansions, and manufacturing facilities. This is where you find high-value projects and potential for overtime.

4. Residential Builders & Remodelers: With steady population growth (metro pop: 206,405), new subdivisions are constant. Companies like A.H. Harris Construction or S&S Homes need plumbers for rough-in and finish work. This is often faster-paced with a focus on volume.

5. Property Management Companies: Firms like Millennium Property Management and The Lawrence Group oversee hundreds of rental units. They need reliable plumbers for service calls, turnovers, and deferred maintenance. This can be a great source of steady, smaller-scale work.

Insider Tip: The most lucrative work is often in the commercial sector with the healthcare giants. Getting on the preferred contractor list for Avera or Sanford can lead to years of steady, high-paying projects.

Getting Licensed in SD

South Dakota has a straightforward licensing process managed by the South Dakota Plumbing Commission. You cannot perform plumbing work for hire without a license.

1. Apprenticeship: You must log hours under a licensed plumber. The standard is 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training and 144 hours of classroom instruction per year.
2. Examination: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the South Dakota State Plumbing Exam. The exam fee is approximately $150.
3. Journeyman License: Once you pass, you can apply for your Journeyman Plumber license. The application fee is $100. You are now legally allowed to work independently.
4. Master Plumber License: To own a business or pull permits, you need a Master Plumber license. This requires at least 2 years as a licensed Journeyman and passing a more advanced exam.

Total Estimated Cost to Get Licensed: $250 - $400 (exam & application fees). The primary cost is your time during the 4-year apprenticeship, which is typically paid (non-union apprentices start around $18-$22/hr).

Timeline to Get Started: If you start an apprenticeship today, you're looking at 4 years to become a licensed Journeyman. If you're already licensed in another state, South Dakota has reciprocity with many states (check with the SD Plumbing Commission).

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, costs, and lifestyle. Sioux Falls is car-dependent, so being central is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Plumber-Friendly Notes
Central/South Central	Urban, walkable, near downtown. 10-15 min commute to commercial job sites.	$950 - $1,200	Close to Avera, downtown contractors. Higher rent but saves on gas. No yard for a work van, but secure parking is key.
West Side (41st St area)	Suburban, family-oriented. 15-20 min commute to most job sites.	$850 - $1,000	Great value. Close to Target, Hy-Vee, and major retail. Easy access to I-229 for getting to industrial areas on the south side.
North Side (Near I-29)	Affordable, growing. 20-25 min commute to downtown.	$750 - $900	Popular with young tradespeople. More space for a van/truck. New construction happening in nearby Tea and Harrisburg.
East Side (Near 57th St)	Established, quiet, near parks. 15-20 min commute.	$850 - $1,050	Near the new Sanford sports complex and hospital, so potential for service work. Good schools if you have a family.
Garfield/South Dakota Ave	Historic, older homes, close-in. 10 min commute.	$700 - $850	Older houses mean more repair/service calls. Street parking can be a challenge for work vehicles.

Insider Tip: If you have a work van with tools, prioritize a place with off-street parking. Street parking in the core neighborhoods like Garfield can be a headache, especially in winter.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for plumbers in Sioux Falls is solid. The 6% job growth ensures demand won't disappear, but to maximize your earnings, you need to specialize.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Medical Gas: Plumbers certified in medical gas piping are rare and highly sought after by hospitals. This can add $5-$10/hour to your rate.
  • Industrial/Commercial: Working on boilers, hydronic systems, and high-pressure water lines commands higher pay than residential service.
  • Pipefitting/Welding: Adding welding certifications (SMAW, TIG) opens up industrial plant work, often paying $80,000+.
  • Backflow Prevention: Certification for testing and installing backflow devices provides a steady stream of inspection work.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Journeyman -> Foreman (Manages a crew, ~10% pay bump).
  2. Journeyman -> Service Technician (Focus on diagnostics, often with a company truck and bonus pay).
  3. Master Plumber -> Business Owner (High risk, high reward. Sioux Falls has a growing market for small, owner-operated service companies).
  4. Transition to Estimator/Project Manager: Leverage your field experience to move into an office role with a larger mechanical contractor.

The Verdict: Is Sioux Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $61,506 salary goes much further than in comparable cities.	Harsh Winters: Working in freezing temps, snow, and ice is part of the job. It can be physically grueling.
Stable Job Market: Healthcare and construction provide consistent demand.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: While Sioux Falls has great restaurants and parks, it lacks the arts, nightlife, and diversity of larger metros.
Growth Without Crowds: A metro of 206,405 means no brutal traffic, but still enough people for steady work.	Car Dependent: Public transit is limited. You'll need a reliable vehicle for work and life.
Accessible Homeownership: The path to buying a house is realistic and relatively quick.	Wage Ceiling: While you can earn a good living, top-end salaries may be lower than in national markets.

Final Recommendation:
Sioux Falls is an ideal choice for mid-career plumbers or those starting a family who value stability, affordability, and a high quality of life over the hustle of a major coastal city. It’s a place to build a career, not just a job. If you’re willing to specialize and handle the Midwest winters, you can build a very comfortable life here. If you’re seeking maximum earning potential and a dynamic urban environment, you might find Sioux Falls too quiet.

FAQs

Q: Is the plumbing union strong in Sioux Falls?
A: Yes. Local 354 (United Association) has a strong presence, particularly in the commercial and industrial sectors. Union plumbers in Sioux Falls can earn $40+/hour plus excellent benefits, which is above the median. Non-union work is plentiful in residential service and smaller commercial shops.

Q: How do winters affect a plumber's work?
A: Winters are a major factor. You'll deal with frozen pipes, boiler repairs, and emergency calls during cold snaps. However, this also means more service work. Invest in high-quality, insulated gear and a good heated work van. The upside? South Dakota has a dry climate, so you're less likely to deal with the corrosion found in humid coastal regions.

Q: What's the best way to find a job here?
A: Start with online boards like Indeed and LinkedIn, but don't stop there. Call local mechanical contractors directly and ask to speak to the service manager. Attend local trade association meetings (like the AGC of SD). Word-of-mouth is powerful in this city.

Q: Are there opportunities for side work?
A: Yes, but be careful. South Dakota law requires that any plumbing work for hire be done by a licensed plumber. As a journeyman, you can do side work, but you cannot hire other unlicensed help. Always check with your primary employer about their policy on side work. Many plumbers do small jobs for friends and family, but don't advertise without proper licensing and insurance.

Q: Is Sioux Falls a good place to start an apprenticeship?
A: Yes. The cost of living is low, so you can survive on an apprentice's wage. The job market is stable, meaning you're more likely to find an employer willing to invest in your training. The apprenticeship programs through the union (Local 354) or non-union trade schools are well-respected.