According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, South Dakota has one of the highest concentrations of jobs and location quotients in the US, with 6.37 welders per thousand jobs. However, even though the concentration of welders is high, school choice in South Dakota is relatively limited. Nevertheless, all the schools offer proper welding education.
You can always practice welding on your own, but getting a proper education provided by experienced instructors and accredited schools is crucial. Most schools require GED or high school diploma to apply, but sometimes, requirements may differ. In addition, you should know that some schools even help their students find their first job. We made this list of Welding schools in South Dakota to help you make the right choice and make sure you don’t waste your hard-earned money.
Average Welder Salary in South Dakota
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, welders in South Dakota can earn a mean annual wage of $40,870 or a median hourly wage of $19.14. This amount is significantly lower than the national annual mean wage of $46,690, but 10% of top welders in South Dakota can earn $52.180.
Even though the salary in South Dakota is not one of the highest in the US, there are various welding jobs and a lot of employed welders. Most welders are employed in fabrication and manufacturing, with a decent salary, usually around the mean national wages, while air transportation can earn quite a few bucks.
List of Welding Schools in South Dakota
Here is a relatively limited list of welding schools in South Dakota with additional information. We try to keep it updated, but keep in mind that this data may change over time so please contact us if you notice any differences. We hope this information will help you choose the right school and start your education and welding career.
Lake Area Technical Institute
- Address: 1201 Arrow Avenue, Watertown, SD 57201
- Phone number: 605-882-5284, 800-657-4344
- Website: https://www.lakeareatech.edu/
- Credentials Offered: Certification
- Estimated tuition and fees: Resident $121 per credit hour
- Student/Teacher ratio: 17:1
Mitchell Technical Institute
- Address: 1800 East Spruce Street, Mitchell, SD 57301
- Phone number: 800.684.1969
- Email: questions@mitchelltech.edu
- Website: https://www.mitchelltech.edu/
- Credentials Offered: Certification, Associate degree
- SENSE School Level 1
- AWS Accredited Test Facility
- Estimated tuition and fees: $6,944.00
- Student/Teacher ratio: 17:1
- 99% of graduates find placement within six months
Regional Technical Education Center
- Address: 1200 West 21st St, Yankton, SD 57078
- Phone number: (605) 668-5700
- Email: CONTACTRTEC@GMAIL.COM
- Website: https://www.rtecedu.org
- Credentials Offered: Certification
- AWS Accredited Test Facility
- Welding courses cost: $1,850 plus applicable tax
Southeast Technical College
- Address: 2320 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57107
- Phone number: 605-367-7624, Toll free: 800-247-0789
- Website: https://www.southeasttech.edu/
- Credentials Offered: Certification
- SENSE School Level 1
- AWS Accredited Test Facility
- Total cost per credit: $249.00 Per Credit Hour + Welding Program fee $10.00 Per Credit Hour
- Student/Teacher ratio: 14:1
Western Dakota Tech
- Address: 800 Michelson Dr, Rapid City, SD 57701
- Phone number: 605-718-2400, (800) 544-8765
- Email: admissions@wdt.edu
- Website: https://www.wdt.edu/
- Credentials Offered: Certification, Associate degree
- Tuition: Resident $283 per credit hour, Online $333 per credit hour
- Student/Teacher ratio: 12:1