Welder Salary in Brookings, SD: $47,922 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Brookings, SD earns a median $47,922/year (≈ $23.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Brookings's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $51,640 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brookings, South Dakota, the economic conditions for welders reveal a median annual salary of $47,922 for 2026, significantly below the national figure of $55,895. This disparity in welder pay can be attributed to factors such as the prevalence of local shop work versus traveling pipe welding opportunities, where per-diem earnings and tax advantages can enhance overall compensation. The salary for welders in the area ranges from $38,044 at the 10th percentile to $64,634 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a diverse pay landscape influenced by experience and specialty. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parity, reflect the specific market conditions in Brookings, which can be crucial for individuals considering a welding career in the area.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,044 | $18.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,258 | $20.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,922 | $23.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,460 | $26.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,634 | $31.07 |
Median Salary Position
14.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookings
In Brookings, SD, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,590 (2026 est.). At $47,922, the local median is 14.26% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Brookings: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Brookings Welder Pay Compares
Brookings median: $47,922/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Brookings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $51,863 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -14.26% less |
Welders in Brookings, SD earn a median of $47,922 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.26% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 7.60% below the South Dakota state average of $51,863.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Brookings has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Brookings, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $47,922 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,640 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,429
2025 BLS Actual
$46,083
2026 Current Est.
$47,922
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Brookings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,429 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,887 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,304 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,759 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,959 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,582 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,083 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,922 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,834 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Brookings metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $36,429 (2019) to $46,083 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,834 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,405 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookings 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $38,044 – $43,258 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,258 – $47,922 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,922 – $54,460 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,460 – $64,634 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Brookings
The local job market for welders in Brookings is quite limited, with only four welders currently employed in the area, indicating a niche market. The cost of living index in Brookings stands at 92.8, meaning that purchasing power in relation to national averages is favorable for welders, even though their take-home pay is lower. Among local employers, those in structural steel fabrication and pipeline welding often offer the highest pay due to the demanding nature of the work and the necessary certifications, such as the 6G pipe qualification or compliance with ASME Section IX standards. The variation in pay is largely driven by factors including the level of expertise, type of work—such as traveling versus local positions—and the economic cycles of industries like oil and gas. To maximize earnings in this market, welders should focus on obtaining advanced certifications, consider traveling roles that come with higher pay and benefits, and engage in continuous professional development to stand out in a competitive field.
More salary data for Brookings, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $46,083 for weldersin the Brookings metropolitan area. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookings 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