Plumber in Watertown, SD

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Plumbers considering a move to Watertown, SD.

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The Salary Picture: Where Watertown Stands

As someone who’s watched the local job market for years, let’s get straight to the numbers. The plumbing trade in Watertown is stable, but it's not a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a solid, middle-class living that outpaces the national average in terms of purchasing power, thanks to our low cost of living. The median salary for a Plumber in the Watertown metro area is $61,354/year. On an hourly basis, that comes out to about $29.5/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, but don't let that fool you. In South Dakota, that salary goes much, much further.

The job market is tight. With only 45 jobs listed for plumbers in the metro area, openings don't come up every day. When they do, qualified candidates get snatched up quickly. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, which is steady. It’s not explosive growth, but it reflects a consistent need for skilled tradespeople as the city ages and new construction projects, like the ones happening around the new housing developments on the north side, continue.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in this region. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry chatter.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level Apprentice	0-2 years	$42,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level Journeyman	2-7 years	$55,000 - $68,000
Senior-Level Technician	7-15 years	$65,000 - $78,000
Expert/Supervisor	15+ years	$75,000 - $90,000+

How does Watertown stack up against other South Dakota cities? It’s a solid mid-tier performer. It won’t compete with the higher wages of Sioux Falls, but it’s competitive with other regional hubs. More importantly, the lower cost of living often makes it a smarter financial choice overall.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)
Sioux Falls (Metro)	~$64,000	~92
Watertown (Metro)	$61,354	89.5
Rapid City (Metro)	~$60,500	~95
Aberdeen	~$59,000	~88

Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), BestPlaces.net

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down a typical monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary of $61,354. In South Dakota, there's no state income tax, which is a massive advantage. Federally, after standard deductions, your take-home pay will be roughly $4,200/month.

Here’s a realistic budget for living comfortably in Watertown:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $5,113
• Estimated Take-Home Pay (after taxes & deductions): $4,200
• Rent (Average 1BR): $760
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $600
• Health Insurance (employer portion): $400
• 401(k)/Savings (10%): $510
• Discretionary Spending: $1,280

This leaves you with a healthy cushion for entertainment, dining out, or hobbies. The key takeaway: on a plumber's salary, you can live well here without feeling pinched.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a median home price in Watertown around $275,000, a 20% down payment is $55,000. A 30-year mortgage at current rates would run you about $1,400/month, including taxes and insurance. That’s only about $640 more than the average rent. For a two-income household, or a plumber with a few more years of experience, this is very attainable.

Where the Jobs Are: Watertown's Major Employers

The plumbing job market here is driven by a mix of residential service companies, commercial/industrial contractors, and institutional maintenance. You won’t find massive corporations, but you will find stable employers who value long-term employees.

1. Watertown Municipal Utilities: While they handle water and power, their maintenance crews often require or cross-train in plumbing, especially for large-scale water main and infrastructure projects. They’re a top-tier employer with excellent benefits.
2. Local Residential Service Companies: Firms like Watertown Plumbing & Heating and Rooter-Man of Watertown are the backbone of the residential market. They handle everything from emergency calls to new installations and remodels. Hiring trends here favor journeyman plumbers with a clean driving record and good customer service skills.
3. Commercial Contractors: Companies like Graham Construction and Hultgren Construction frequently bid on commercial projects in the area, from the new medical facilities near Prairie Lakes Healthcare Center to retail developments. These jobs are often project-based but can lead to long-term commercial work.
4. Prairie Lakes Healthcare Center: As the region's primary hospital, they have a dedicated facilities and maintenance department. These roles are less about new construction and more about preventative maintenance and repair, offering a 9-to-5 schedule with great benefits.
5. Watertown School District: The district’s maintenance team keeps over a dozen schools running smoothly. This is a prime government job with a strong pension, summers off (for maintenance staff, not necessarily plumbers), and a predictable schedule.
6. State and Federal Facilities: The South Dakota Developmental Center and the local VA clinic also have maintenance needs, though openings are rare and highly competitive.

Insider Tip: The best way to find a job in Watertown isn't always through online postings. It's through relationships. Join the local chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) or attend events at the Watertown Area Career & Technical Education Center. Word-of-mouth is everything in a town of 22,859 people.

Getting Licensed in South Dakota

South Dakota’s licensing is straightforward but mandatory. You cannot work as an independent plumber without a license.

• Apprenticeship: You start as an apprentice. While not always required, a 4-year apprenticeship program (like one through the local technical college or a union) is highly recommended. You’ll earn while you learn.
• Journeyman Plumber: After completing your apprenticeship and logging 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, you can apply to take the journeyman exam. The exam is administered by the South Dakota Plumbing Commission. The exam fee is typically around $200.
• Master Plumber: To become a master plumber, you need at least two years of experience as a journeyman and must pass a more extensive exam. This license allows you to pull permits and run your own business. Exam fees are higher, around $300.
• Timeline: From starting an apprenticeship to becoming a licensed journeyman, expect a timeline of 4-5 years.

For the most current requirements and forms, always check the official South Dakota Plumbing Commission website. Regulations can change.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Choosing where to live in Watertown depends on your lifestyle—whether you want a quick commute, a quiet yard, or walking distance to downtown.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent
North End / Downtown	Walkable to restaurants, bars, and the historic downtown. Close to many older homes that need frequent plumbing work. Commute is 5-10 minutes max.	$700 - $900
South Side / 9th Ave	Family-friendly, quiet, with good access to schools and parks. A 10-15 minute commute to most job sites. More modern housing stock.	$720 - $850
East Side / near Prairie Lakes	Convenient for hospital jobs or those frequenting the medical district. A mix of older and newer homes. Easy access to Highway 212.	$750 - $950
Lakes Area (East)	More suburban feel, closer to the lakes for recreation. Commute is 15-20 minutes to downtown. Great for those wanting a yard and space.	$800 - $1,000
West End / near CTEC	Close to the Career & Technical Education Center if you're in school. A mix of residential and light industrial. Good access to I-29.	$650 - $800

Insider Tip: Most residential plumbing companies are based in the industrial park on the west side of I-29. If you want to minimize your commute, look for rentals in the West End or South Side neighborhoods. You can be at work in under 10 minutes on most days.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your journey doesn’t stop at journeyman. In Watertown, you have several paths to increase your earnings and responsibility.

• Specialty Premiums: The real money is in specialization. Plumbers with certifications in medical gas (for hospitals), backflow prevention (for commercial irrigation and fire sprinklers), or advanced hydronics can command $5-$10 more per hour than standard service plumbers. These are niche skills that are always in demand.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service Manager: Overseeing a team of service plumbers for a local company.
  2. Estimator/Project Manager: For commercial contractors, moving from the tools to the office to bid and manage projects.
  3. Business Owner: The ultimate goal for many. With a master plumber license and a strong network, starting your own small shop is feasible. The low overhead in Watertown makes this more attainable than in larger cities.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth is based on retiring plumbers and steady construction. The aging population of plumbers in South Dakota means there will be a succession demand. Your value will increase significantly over the next decade if you continuously update your skills, especially in areas like PEX systems, tankless water heaters, and smart home water protection systems.

The Verdict: Is Watertown Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent purchasing power due to low cost of living (89.5 vs US avg of 100).	Small job market (45 jobs) means fewer opportunities and less job hopping.
Stable, consistent demand for skilled trades with 6% projected growth.	Limited career diversity; options are mostly residential, commercial, or institutional.
Strong community feel and networking is easy; reputation matters.	Can feel isolated from major metropolitan amenities and events.
Low-stress commute; you’re rarely in traffic for more than 10-15 minutes.	Harsh winters can make outdoor plumbing work challenging.
No state income tax keeps more of your paycheck in your pocket.	Pace of life is slow; not ideal if you crave constant change and excitement.

Final Recommendation:

Watertown is an ideal choice for a plumber who values stability, community, and a high quality of life over rapid career advancement or a high-stress environment. It’s perfect for a journeyman who wants to put down roots, buy a home, and raise a family without being house-poor. If you’re an ambitious apprentice looking for the fastest path to a six-figure income in a cutthroat market, you might find Sioux Falls more stimulating. But for a balanced, financially sound career in the trades, Watertown is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a job as a plumber in Watertown?
It’s less about "hard" and more about "patience." With only 45 jobs in the metro, openings aren't constant. However, the 6% growth rate and an aging workforce mean there is steady demand. Network locally, connect with employers before you move, and be ready to start with a smaller company.

2. Do I need to own my own van or tools?
For apprentice and journeyman roles, no. Most companies provide work vehicles and major tools. You will be expected to have your own hand tools. If you start your own business (master plumber level), you will need to invest in a van and equipment.

3. How do the winters affect plumbing work?
They definitely add a challenge. A lot of work in winter involves frozen pipes, furnace issues, and boiler maintenance. You need to be prepared to work in cold conditions, including under houses and in crawlspaces. But it also means steady work during a season that can be slow for other trades.

4. What's the best way to get an apprenticeship here?
The best route is through the Watertown Area Career & Technical Education Center (CTEC). They offer a registered apprenticeship program. Alternatively, approach local companies directly—many are willing to sponsor motivated apprentices. Having your driver's license and a clean record is key.

5. Can I make more money working in a bigger city?
On paper, yes. The median salary in Sioux Falls is slightly higher. But after accounting for a 10-15% higher cost of living, more traffic, and potentially higher taxes (if you move to a state with income tax), the net financial benefit is often negligible or even negative. The choice comes down to lifestyle preference.