Welder / Welding Technician in Sioux Falls, SD
Salary data, training programs, and job outlook for Sioux Falls-area Welder / Welding Technicians
💰 Sioux Falls Area Salary
Salaries vary by employer, experience, and certifications. Sioux Falls figures based on regional BLS data and cost-of-living adjustments.
📋 About Welder / Welding Technician Work in Sioux Falls
Welders fuse metal together using heat and electricity to build everything from bridges and pipelines to aircraft and auto frames. Certified underwater welders and pipeline welders can earn $100K–$200K+. It's pure craftsmanship that never goes offshore.
What You Do Day-to-Day
- Perform MIG, TIG, Stick, and flux-core welding
- Read blueprints and weld to specs
- Inspect welds for quality and code compliance
- Operate plasma cutters and grinders
- Work in confined spaces and at heights
🎓 Training Programs Near Sioux Falls
- Lake Area Technical College — Watertown
- Mitchell Technical College — Mitchell
- Southeast Technical College — Sioux Falls
- Western Dakota Technical College — Rapid City
- Black Hills State University — Spearfish
📈 Job Outlook
National Growth: 3% (Average)
National Jobs: 452K employed nationwide
Credential Required: AWS Certified Welder (CW) — industry standard
Typical Program: Welding Certificate or Diploma — 6 months–2 years