Welder in Sioux Falls, SD

As someone who’s watched the job market in Sioux Falls evolve from the ground up, I can tell you that the city’s welder scene isn’t the explosive growth hub you might find in the Midwest’s manufacturing belt, but it’s a solid, stable foundation. This guide is built on hard data and local knowledge to give you a realistic picture of what your career as a welder looks like here, from your first paycheck to your long-term prospects.

The Salary Picture: Where Sioux Falls Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a welder in the Sioux Falls metro area is $48,146 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.15. This is slightly below the national average for welders, which sits at $49,590 per year. The demand is steady but modest, with an estimated 412 jobs in the metro area and a projected 10-year job growth of 2%. This isn't a boomtown for welders, but it’s a reliable market with consistent needs in agriculture, construction, and fabrication.

Here’s how experience typically translates to pay in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Work Environment
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$36,000 - $42,000	Production welding, assisting senior welders, basic fabrication shops.
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$44,000 - $52,000	Independent work on projects, some specialty processes (MIG/TIG), field work.
Senior-Level	5-10 years	$53,000 - $62,000	Lead welder, quality control, project planning, training juniors.
Expert/Specialist	10+ years	$63,000+	Certified welder inspector (CWI), pipeline work, high-precision TIG, shop foreman.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local market trends and the provided median data. Specialized certifications can push you toward the higher end.

Compared to other Sioux Falls cities, the picture is similar. Sioux Falls (the city proper) is the epicenter of job availability. Hartford and Crooks, smaller suburbs within a 20-minute commute, have fewer local shops but share the same job pool. Tea and Brandon, growing suburbs to the southwest and east, have seen an uptick in residential construction, which creates demand for welders in custom fabrication and structural steel work. Essentially, you’ll likely be commuting into Sioux Falls regardless of where you live.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $48,146 is a gross figure. Let’s break down what that means for your monthly budget in Sioux Falls, where the cost of living index is 90.3 (10% below the U.S. average) and the average 1-bedroom rent is $884 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner, Median Salary):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,012

• Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA - ~25%): -$1,003

• Net Take-Home Pay: $3,009

• Rent (1BR Avg): -$884

• Utilities (Gas, Electric, Water, Internet): -$180

• Groceries & Household: -$400

• Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance): -$300

• Healthcare (if not fully covered): -$150

• Miscellaneous/Personal: -$200

• Remaining for Savings/Debt: $895

Can you afford to buy a home? With $895 left over monthly, you could comfortably save for a down payment. The median home price in Sioux Falls is around $315,000. A 20% down payment would be $63,000, which would take about 6 years of saving that entire $895 each month. A more realistic FHA loan (3.5% down) would require $11,025, achievable in about 1-2 years of focused saving. This makes homeownership a very attainable long-term goal for a welder earning the median wage here.

Where the Jobs Are: Sioux Falls's Major Employers

The job market for welders in Sioux Falls is anchored by several key industries: agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. Here are the major local employers you should target:

1. Sioux Steel Company: A major manufacturer of steel buildings, agricultural equipment, and storage solutions. They are one of the largest and most consistent employers for welders in the region, often hiring for production and custom fabrication roles. They have a facility near the industrial park off I-29.
2. Larson Manufacturing (Larson Storm Door & Window): While known for windows and doors, their steel and aluminum door divisions require fabrication and welding. They’re a massive employer in the region with a large plant in the southern part of the city.
3. Sioux Falls Construction: A leading general contractor that frequently subcontracts or hires in-house welders for structural steel projects, especially for commercial and institutional buildings (like schools and hospitals). Watch for project-based hiring.
4. Metro Construction & Supply: A key player in regional construction, often needing welders for custom railing, gates, and structural elements for commercial projects. They’re deeply connected to the local building scene.
5. Sioux Valley Energy: While primarily an electrical co-op, they have a significant fleet and infrastructure maintenance department that requires welders for repairing equipment, trailers, and utility structures.
6. Local Machine Shops & Fabricators: Don’t overlook smaller shops like Rapid Manufacturing or H & H Machine. These shops do contract work for the larger employers and often offer more diverse welding experience (TIG, precision work) which is valuable for your skill set.
7. Healthcare & Institutional Maintenance: Sanford Health and Avera Health are the two giant hospital systems. Their in-house facilities teams hire welders for maintaining medical gas systems, HVAC infrastructure, and general hospital repair. These are often steady, union or union-like positions with good benefits.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is generally steady but not rapid. The 2% growth rate means positions open due to retirement, not massive expansion. The best time to look is late winter through spring, as construction projects ramp up. Networking at the local Sioux Falls Builders Association events can give you an insider edge.

Getting Licensed in SD

South Dakota does not have a state-level license for welders. Instead, the industry relies on certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS). This is the key credential that employers look for.

• Key Certification: The most common is the AWS Certified Welder (CW) credential, typically for specific processes (e.g., GMAW/MIG, SMAW/Stick, GTAW/TIG) and positions (plate, pipe).
• Getting Certified: You can attend a local technical college. Southeast Technical College (often called "Southeast Tech") in Sioux Falls offers a highly respected Welding Technology program. The program costs approximately $8,000-$12,000 for a 1-2 year diploma or associate degree, which includes preparation for AWS certification tests.
• Alternative Path: You can also test directly through an AWS Accredited Test Facility (ATF). Many local fabricators or the tech college itself will administer tests for a fee, typically $150-$300 per certification.
• Timeline: A formal program takes 1-2 years. If you already have experience, you could walk into a test facility and get certified in a matter of weeks, but you’d need the foundational skills and access to equipment to practice.
• Insider Tip: Even if you don't complete a full program, taking a single semester of courses at Southeast Tech to get access to their lab and instructors for certification practice is a smart investment.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Your ideal neighborhood depends on your commute style and lifestyle. Most industrial jobs are clustered in the south and southwest parts of the city.

1. The South Loop (Near I-29 & 26th St): This is the industrial heartland. You’re within a 5-10 minute drive of Sioux Steel, Larson, and countless fabricators. It’s not a "lifestyle" neighborhood, but it’s unbeatable for minimizing commute. Rent for a 1BR is around $850-$950.
2. McKennan Park / Cathedral District: Located just north of downtown, this area offers historic charm, walkable streets, and easy access to the city center. It’s a 10-15 minute commute south to the industrial parks. It’s popular with younger professionals. Rent is higher, around $950-$1,200 for a 1BR.
3. Western Sioux Falls (Near 41st St & Marion Rd): A rapidly growing area with new apartment complexes and single-family homes. It’s a straight 15-minute drive to the industrial zones. Good balance of modern amenities and accessibility. 1BR rent is typically $900-$1,050.
4. Central Sioux Falls (Near 12th & Minnesota Ave): This area is more affordable and close to downtown, with a mix of older apartments and houses. Commute to the southern industrial parks is about 15-20 minutes. It’s a practical choice for saving money. 1BR rent averages $750-$900.
5. Suburban Commuters (Tea/Brandon): If you don’t mind a 20-25 minute commute, Tea (southwest) and Brandon (east) offer newer, often more spacious apartments and a quieter, suburban feel. 1BR rent in these suburbs is comparable to Sioux Falls, around $850-$1,000.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a 10-year job growth of only 2%, advancement in Sioux Falls often comes from specialization, not just seniority.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay bump comes from mastering a in-demand specialty. Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) can add $10,000-$15,000 to your salary, moving you into a quality control role. Pipe welding (especially for high-pressure systems) and aerospace-grade TIG welding are niche skills that command premium wages, though opportunities are less frequent than general fabrication. Aluminum welding for the recreational vehicle (RV) and boat repair sector is another valuable skill.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is: Welder → Lead Welder/Fabricator → Shop Foreman/Manager. Another solid path is moving into Project Estimation or Sales for a fabrication company, leveraging your hands-on knowledge. Union membership (through the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local 124) can provide structured wage increases and benefit packages, common in larger shops and some construction firms.
• 10-Year Outlook: Don't expect a surge in jobs. The outlook is stability. Your best bet for growth is to become indispensable at a key local employer or to develop a specialty that makes you the go-to person in the region. The $48,146 median could easily become $60,000+ with the right certifications and specialties.

The Verdict: Is Sioux Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your wage goes further here than in most U.S. cities.	Stagnant Job Growth: A 2% growth rate means competition for openings is steady.
High Homeownership Potential: Building equity is very feasible on a welder's salary.	Limited Specialization Opportunities: Fewer niche, high-paying welding roles compared to industrial hubs.
Stable, Diverse Economy: Work in ag, construction, healthcare—less vulnerable to single-industry crashes.	Smaller Job Market: Total of 412 jobs means fewer options if you need to switch employers quickly.
Short Commutes: You can live almost anywhere in the metro and have a sub-20-minute drive to work.	Weather Challenges: Harsh winters can disrupt outdoor and field welding work.
Solid Community & Amenities: A growing city with good healthcare, education, and entertainment.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries for welders are capped lower than in major coastal cities.

Final Recommendation: Sioux Falls is an excellent choice for a welder who prioritizes quality of life, affordability, and homeownership over being at the forefront of a booming industry. If you’re looking for a stable career where you can buy a home, enjoy a short commute, and build a life without financial stress, this is a fantastic market. If your primary goal is to maximize salary quickly or work on cutting-edge projects, you might look to larger industrial centers first.

FAQs

Q: Do I need my own welding machine to get hired here?
A: No. Almost all production and fabrication shops provide all equipment. However, having your own portable rig (a good machine, helmet, and tools) can make you more attractive for field service or construction site work with companies like Sioux Falls Construction.

Q: Is union membership common for welders in Sioux Falls?
A: It’s not the norm, but it exists. Larger operations, especially those tied to state or federal projects, may be unionized. The IAM Local 124 represents some welders in the area. It’s worth inquiring about during interviews. Union shops often offer better structured pay scales and benefits.

Q: What’s the most common welding process used by local employers?
A: GMAW (MIG/Metal Inert Gas) is the workhorse for production and fabrication due to its speed and efficiency. SMAW (Stick) is still widely used for structural steel and outdoor/field work where wind is a factor. GTAW (TIG) is used for precision work, aluminum, and stainless steel, especially in custom shops and repair.

Q: How competitive is the job market for an entry-level welder?
A: It’s moderately competitive. Employers see a lot of applicants with basic experience. The key differentiators are a reliable work history (even in non-welding trades) and, ideally, a relevant certification from Southeast Tech or a similar program. Showing up for an interview with a clean driving record and willingness to learn is often more important than a long resume.

Q: Are there opportunities for side work?
A: Absolutely. The low cost of living means many people pursue side gigs. You’ll see welders doing custom gates, railings, trailer repairs, and farm equipment fixes on the side. Just be sure to check on any liability or insurance requirements from your full-time employer. The small-town feel means word-of-mouth for side work travels fast.