Welding Schools in South Dakota

Welding as a profession requires discipline. It also requires soft skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, physical stamina, and an affinity for withstanding pressure.

South Dakota offers a straightforward pathway for residents who want to become successful welders. Below, we break down the milestones involved in this process.

We explore all of these key considerations and requirements in a way that is easy to follow and will give candidates immense confidence in their ability to pull it off. Readers will also find out the best places to receive introductory training, along with some relevant numbers concerning the annual average salary to look forward to.

How to Become a Welder in South Dakota

Aspiring welders in South Dakota may consider the steps below to start their careers correctly.

Basic Preparatory Stages

To launch a welding career in South Dakota, individuals must prepare by ensuring their high school diploma or GED documents are ready. Since the profession is physically challenging, individuals should also ensure they are in great shape to proceed.

Welding Education

Completing a formal program can be very beneficial for welding education. Usually, the first area of concern for all programs is building a strong theoretical foundation.

Students also have the chance to choose between one-year certificate programs or two-year associate degree programs. In an upcoming section, we will examine top welding programs for candidates to consider.

Real-World Education

After theoretical foundations have been set, the second area of concern for training programs is helping candidates develop practical skills in the real world. Some academic programs achieve this through laboratory sessions or partnering with apprenticeship programs.

Most apprenticeship programs emphasize hands-on training and allow candidates to learn under experienced instructors.

Employment & Specialization

Those who have completed the above steps may proceed to secure employment. They may choose to work in a specialty area or a particular industry.

Candidates are also advised to explore the certification considerations below for career chances.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become an auto mechanic in South Dakota

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Becoming certified as a welder in South Dakota can be a very beneficial career step. However, like the ones above, this step is optional.

Most welders in the state choose to pursue these professional credentials simply because they can have a huge impact on their careers, not because the state makes them compulsory. Some of these impacts include continuing education resources, networking opportunities, and credibility for employment and career growth.

The American Welding Society and the National Institute for Metalworking Skills are currently the two most prevalent organizations to consult for highly rated, nationally recognized credentials as welders in South Dakota. Applicants who want to become certified by these organizations must be prepared to pass the certification exam in their appropriate category.

The AWS, for instance, offers credentials for welding educators and welding inspectors. The National Institute for Metalworking Skills offers credentials for those working in shipbuilding.

Top Welding Schools in South Dakota

The following are some notable programs for aspiring welders in South Dakota to consider for their education.

Explore welding schools in South Dakota by city:

• Welding schools in Sioux Falls

Salary & Career Outlook

The average annual salary for a welder in South Dakota, which is among the lowest-paid in the state, is $38,207. Of course, this is usually common for those who are just starting out, but candidates can improve their earnings quickly.

The median earners will make an annual average salary of around $48,922, while the top earners will make an annual average salary of $62,640. Professionals typically reach this stage after working on their credentials, location, experience level, and specialty focus.

Focusing on location, Brandon is the city with the highest-paying figures for welders in South Dakota, with an average annual salary of $54,388. Those who work in Brookings manage an average salary of $53,580 at the end of the year.

As one would expect, welding will continue to grow in popularity and demand for the next 10 years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 2% increase in employment rates across the country.