Skilled trades
plumber salary in South Dakota
The median plumber in South Dakota earns $51,620 a year based on the latest BLS wage release. That is 19% below the national median of $63,800, and the top 10% in the state earns more than $74,480.
STATE MEDIAN
$51,620
Per year, 2025
TOP 10 PERCENT
$74,480
Per year
WORKERS IN STATE
1,760
Reported employment
VS NATIONAL
-19%
Below national median
What do plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn in South Dakota?
These percentile cuts show how pay spreads from entry level earnings to top-end specialists in the state.
10TH PERCENTILE
$39,230
Lower end of the pay range
25TH PERCENTILE
$46,140
Early career benchmark
MEDIAN
$51,620
Middle of the market
75TH PERCENTILE
$62,050
Experienced worker benchmark
90TH PERCENTILE
$74,480
Top earning range
How does South Dakota compare to national earnings?
South Dakota pays 19% below the national median for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. That makes cost discipline more important, especially if you are choosing between a free apprenticeship path, a community college certificate, and a private program.
South Dakota
$51,620
State median annual wage
National median
$63,800
BLS national median wage
How do you train as a plumber in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, the most common routes into plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are union apprenticeship, non-union contractor apprenticeship, community college certificates, and trade school programs. Apprenticeship usually keeps debt lowest because you work while you train. South Dakota may require apprentice registration, documented hours, and a journeyman or contractor license depending on the trade path. Verify the exact board or labor department rules before you enroll.
Lowest debt path
Apprenticeship, community college, or employer-sponsored training usually keeps borrowing pressure lowest. That matters more than raw starting pay if you are comparing a free path against a private program.
What to verify before enrolling
Check tuition, licensing hours, exam pass rates, employer placement, and how quickly the program gets you to a paid job in South Dakota.
What is the debt-to-income reality in South Dakota?
The 8% rule says a monthly student loan payment should ideally stay below 8% of gross monthly income.
For a community college style path with an illustrative $10,000 of training debt, a simple 10-year repayment schedule lands near $83 a month. Against a median gross monthly income of $4,302 in South Dakota, that works out to about 1.9%.
This is an illustrative midpoint between a free apprenticeship path and a higher-cost private program. Your exact result depends on tuition, grants, and how long you stay in school.
What else should you read next?
Skilled trades guide
Read the full skilled trades guide for training paths, debt ranges, and employer context.
plumber salary in Texas
Compare this trade in Texas against South Dakota.
electrician salary in South Dakota
See how a related trade in the same cluster pays in the same state.
Trade comparison methodology
See how CollegeLens sources BLS wages, training-cost ranges, and debt-to-income examples.
Common questions about plumber pay in South Dakota
What is the average plumber salary in South Dakota?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $51,620 for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in South Dakota, with the top 10% above $74,480.
Is plumber a good career in South Dakota?
South Dakota currently has 1,760 reported jobs in this trade. The path can work well when training cost stays reasonable relative to a median income of $51,620.
How do you become a plumber in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, the most common routes into plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are union apprenticeship, non-union contractor apprenticeship, community college certificates, and trade school programs. Apprenticeship usually keeps debt lowest because you work while you train. South Dakota may require apprentice registration, documented hours, and a journeyman or contractor license depending on the trade path. Verify the exact board or labor department rules before you enroll.
Where does South Dakota rank for plumber earnings?
South Dakota is below the national median for this trade. State median: $51,620. National median: $63,800.
What does plumber training cost in South Dakota?
Training cost depends on the path. Apprenticeship can be near $0 out of pocket while you earn. Community college programs often land in the low thousands. Private trade school and certificate routes can be much higher. Always compare program cost against expected earnings in South Dakota.