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Careers in Building

Build a Great Career

Looking for work that pays well, lets you solve problems, and is hands on? A job in the building industry might be the right fit for you.

Build new homes, schools, and businesses that shape our community. The population in Sioux Falls and surrounding communities is increasing rapidly, and is projected to reach 438,400 by 2060.1 This massive growth in the Sioux Empire means that jobs in the building industry are in high demand for skilled workers like you.

Discover Your Building Career

Are you curious about what it’s like to work in the building industry? Take our quiz to see which role is the perfect fit for your skills and personality!

Take the Quiz

Scholarships & Financial Support

Financial support is available to help you enter a high-demand skilled trade. Learn more about our HBASE Care Foundation scholarships.

View Scholarships

Find Open Positions

Apply for a career in the building industry today! Summer time, part time, and full time options are available.

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Build Life Your Way

You don’t need a 4-year degree to have the life you want.

Get the satisfaction of mastering new technology and become an expert at skilled problem solving. You can enter the workforce quickly and start earning with a job in the building trades. Some roles offer on-the-job training, while others only require a 2-year degree. 

Below, you’ll find data on the average salary for different roles, as well as education requirements and information on local career training that will prepare you for success.

Carpentry Career Path

As a carpenter, you help build and shape homes, businesses, and other structures from the ground up. Carpenters work on many parts of construction, including framing, drywall, trim, and cabinetry. This hands-on career uses problem solving and precision every day. If you enjoy variety, working with your hands, and seeing projects come to life, carpentry could be the path for you.

$17-38

average hourly rate2

$57,200

mean annual wage2

overtime not included

Training Path

  • High school diploma
  • New carpenters require on-the-job supervision (1 month to 1 year)

Get Started in the Sioux Empire

High School Programs

Post-Secondary Programs

Mitchell Technical College

Southeast Technical College

Electrical Career Path

As an electrician, you install, maintain, and repair electrical systems that power homes, businesses, and communities. This hands-on career uses problem solving, critical thinking, and technical skills every day. If you enjoy working with technology, understanding wiring and circuits, and problem solving to fix electrical systems, a career as an electrician could be the path for you.

$20-42

average hourly rate2

$64,480

mean annual wage2

overtime not included

Training Path

  • 2 year associate degree or vocational training
  • 3–4 years of apprenticeship or vocational training
  • Must pass a licensing exam

Get Started in the Sioux Empire

Mitchell Technical College

Southeast Tech

  • Electrician (2 year associate degree)
    • Earn 2,000 journeyman hours toward licensure

Plumbing Career Path

As a plumber, you install, maintain, and repair the piping systems that bring clean water into homes and businesses and remove waste safely. This hands-on career uses problem solving, critical thinking, and mechanical skills every day. If you enjoy working with your hands, learning how water systems and pipes work, and problem solving to repair plumbing systems, plumbing could be the path for you.

$24-38

average hourly rate2

$64,480

mean annual wage2

overtime not included

Training Path

  • Vocational school or apprenticeship
  • 1–2 years of on-the-job training
  • Some roles require an associate degree

Get Started in the Sioux Empire

Southeast Technical College

  • Plumbing Technology (1 year)
    • Prepares you for apprentice roles
    • Counts toward journeyman license hours

HVAC Career Path

As an HVAC technician, you install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that keep homes and businesses comfortable year-round. This hands-on career uses problem solving, technical knowledge, and mechanical skills every day. If you enjoy working with equipment, understanding how climate systems work, and problem solving, HVAC could be the path for you.

$20-40

average hourly rate2

$62,400

mean annual wage2

overtime not included

Training Path

  • 1–2.5 years of training
  • Learn in school and on the job

Get Started in the Sioux Empire

Mitchell Technical College

Southeast Technical College

Interior Design Career Path

As an interior designer, you plan and design indoor spaces that are both functional and visually appealing. You work with colors, materials, lighting, and layouts to create comfortable environments for homes and businesses. If you enjoy creativity, planning spaces, and paying attention to detail, a career in interior designing could be the path for you.

$32.67

average hourly rate3

$67,960

mean annual wage3

overtime not included

Training Path

  • Interior design degree (4 years)
  • Certification from professional interior design organizations

Get Started in the Sioux Empire

South Dakota State University

  • Interior Design (4 year bachelor’s degree)
    • Prepares you for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination

Landscaping Career Path

As a landscaper, you design, build, and care for the outdoor spaces that make homes, businesses, and communities beautiful and functional. This hands-on career combines creativity, plant and soil knowledge, and equipment skills, and much of your day is spent outdoors. If you enjoy working outside, seeing a bare lot transform into a finished yard, and learning how plants, water, and hardscapes work together, a career in landscaping could be the path for you.

Training Path

  • Entry-level positions available with on-the-job training
  • 1–2 year certificate or associate degree in horticulture or landscape technology
  • Additional certifications, such as a commercial pesticide applicator license, can expand your opportunities
  • Experience can lead to crew leader, landscape designer, or business owner roles

Get Started in the Sioux Empire

Southeast Tech

  • Horticulture Technology (2 year associate degree)
    • As a horticulture specialist, you can work with ornamental plants and non-food crops, manage pests and diseases, oversee turf and greenhouse operations or focus on plant propagation and cultivation.

Resources

  1. Cities That Will Grow the Most by 2060
  2. 2025 HBASE Member Survey
  3. 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics Data