Welder in South Dakota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SD. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, South Dakota.
Jobs (SD)
10-yr job growth
route How to become a welder in South Dakota
To become a welder in South Dakota, individuals are not required to hold a state-issued license. The industry standard is certification through the American Welding Society (AWS). Aspiring welders should complete an educational program in welding from a vocational or technical school and then obtain relevant AWS certifications by passing written and practical exams. Welders must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver's license, with some specialized roles requiring additional specific AWS certifications.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for South Dakota. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist South Dakota requirements
| Licensing body | American Welding Society (AWS) |
| State license | Not required |
| Education | High school diploma or GED is beneficial; formal welding training or certification from a vocational or technical school highly recommended. |
| Notes | South Dakota does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders. Certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard. Welders must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver's license. Some specific welding jobs, such as those for the South Dakota Department of Transportation or certain structural welding, may require specific AWS certifications. |
Source: American Welding Society (AWS)
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk