Plumber Salary in Yankton, SD: $58,345 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Yankton, SD earns a median $58,345/year (≈ $28.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Yankton's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $62,872 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the projected median annual salary for plumbers in Yankton, South Dakota, is $58,345, marking a notable contrast to the national median of $65,408. This gap underscores the difference in earnings between union pipefitters and non-union service plumbers in the region, where union wages tend to command a premium of 30-50%. The salary range for plumbers in Yankton spans from $42,941 at the 10th percentile to $90,435 at the 90th percentile, offering a diversity of earning potential within the local market. These figures represent estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost levels, highlighting that while Yankton's plumbers may earn less than their national counterparts, the market is reflective of local demand and the presence of specialized skills like medical gas fitting.
About the Yankton Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,941 | $20.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,881 | $22.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,345 | $28.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,682 | $35.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,435 | $43.48 |
Median Salary Position
10.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Yankton
In Yankton, SD, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,494 (2026 est.). At $58,345, the local median is 10.8% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Yankton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Yankton Plumber Pay Compares
Yankton median: $58,345/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Yankton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $60,713 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -10.80% less |
Plumbers in Yankton, SD earn a median of $58,345 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.80% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 3.90% below the South Dakota state average of $60,713.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Yankton has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Yankton, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A plumber earning $58,345 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,872 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,204
2025 BLS Actual
$56,911
2026 Current Est.
$58,345
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Yankton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,204 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,248 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,414 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,602 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,904 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,738 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,911 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,345 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,815 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Yankton metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $49,204 (2019) to $56,911 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,815 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,611 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Yankton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.52% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $42,941 – $46,881 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,881 – $58,345 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,345 – $74,682 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,682 – $90,435 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Yankton
The job market for plumbing professionals in Yankton is relatively small, with only four plumbers currently employed in the area. This limited workforce is complemented by a cost-of-living index of 92.8, indicating that everyday expenses are below the national average, potentially enhancing take-home pay. To maximize earning potential locally, plumbers should consider aligning with union contractors who typically remunerate higher due to collective bargaining agreements. Those equipped with advanced credentials, particularly in specialties such as medical gas or backflow prevention, may find themselves in high demand, further driving their compensation above typical service wages. Strategies like pursuing licensing for self-employment or seeking positions with large service companies can also improve plumbing pay in Yankton, SD, especially as infrastructure ages and the need for skilled labor continues to rise.
More salary data for Yankton, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $56,911 for plumbersin the Yankton metropolitan area. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Yankton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov