How much does a welder make in Rapid City?
$51,690a year
Median yearly pay for welders in the Rapid City, SD metro area. That is $24.85 an hour or $4,308 a month.
- Hourly
- $24.85
- Vs. national median
- -4%
- Rank among cities
- 204 of 382
- Jobs in the area
- 200
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $38,340Median: $51,690Highest 10%: $71,000
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $38,340 | $18.43 | |
| 25th | $44,300 | $21.30 | |
| Median | $51,690 | $24.85 | |
| 75th | $63,160 | $30.37 | |
| 90th | $71,000 | $34.13 |
Other cities in South Dakota
Median yearly pay for welders.
| Sioux City, IA | $58,230 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $55,200 |
Related jobs in Rapid City
Same field, median yearly pay.
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Worker | $70,290 |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator | $57,780 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $52,190 |
| Inspector | $48,310 |
| Machinist | $47,840 |
| Mixing and Blending Machine Setter | $46,850 |
| Coating | $46,090 |
| Dental Laboratory Technician | $45,800 |
| Electrical | $40,760 |
| Extruding | $38,970 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a welder make an hour in Rapid City?
The median hourly pay in the Rapid City, SD metro area is $24.85 ($51,690 a year).
Do welders make more in Rapid City than the national average?
No: $51,690 against $53,750 nationally, 4% less.
How does Rapid City compare with the rest of South Dakota?
The median in South Dakota is $49,440, so Rapid City pays 5% more.
Where does Rapid City rank for welder pay?
204 of 382 metro areas with data.
How much does a welder make starting out in Rapid City?
The lowest-paid 10% make $38,340 or less a year; the top 10% make $71,000 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.