Welder Salary in Spearfish, SD: $49,735 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Spearfish, SD earns a median $49,735/year (≈ $23.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Spearfish's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $53,594 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Spearfish, South Dakota, the 2026 projected welder salary sits at $49,735 annually, reflecting the unique economic landscape for welders in the region. This figure positions local welders approximately 11% below the national median of $55,895, with a salary range running from $36,856 to $65,883 based on skill level and experience. Given the rapid growth of the industry, projected at an annual rate of 3.99%, welders face both competitive local pay and opportunities for lucrative traveling work. While local shops typically offer lower salaries, many welders in Spearfish may seek per-diem positions or travel for higher pay, especially those with specialties in pipe welding or certifications like the 6G.
About the Spearfish Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,856 | $17.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,061 | $22.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,735 | $23.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,780 | $26.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,883 | $31.68 |
Median Salary Position
11.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Spearfish
In Spearfish, SD, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,027 (2026 est.). At $49,735, the local median is 11.02% below the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Spearfish: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Spearfish Welder Pay Compares
Spearfish median: $49,735/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Spearfish Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $51,862 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | -11.02% less |
Welders in Spearfish, SD earn a median of $49,735 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.02% lower than the national median of $55,895 and 4.10% below the South Dakota state average of $51,862.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Spearfish 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.
Spearfish, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A welder earning $49,735 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,594 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,808
2025 BLS Actual
$47,827
2026 Current Est.
$49,735
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Spearfish (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,808 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,320 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,830 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,301 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,547 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,827 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,735 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,720 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Spearfish metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $37,808 (2019) to $47,827 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,720 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,912 (36.80%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spearfish 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) | $36,856 – $46,061 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,061 – $49,735 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,735 – $55,780 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,780 – $65,883 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Spearfish
The job market in Spearfish supports five local welder positions, indicating a niche but stable demand for welding professionals. Welders here benefit from a lower cost of living index of 92.8, which affords more purchasing power compared to markets with higher living costs. Employers in pipelines, structural steel fabrication, and specialized sectors such as aerospace or nuclear power typically offer the best compensation, with significant disparities driven by certification levels and the type of work performed. For welders aiming to maximize their pay, pursuing advanced certifications like the 6G pipe or engaging in traveling positions could be prudent strategies. Additionally, the booming oil and gas sector presents opportunities that could lead to higher earnings in Spearfish, particularly for those willing to navigate the ups and downs associated with the industry cycle.
More salary data for Spearfish, 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 $47,827 for weldersin the Spearfish 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 Spearfish 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