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Average Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary in South Dakota

Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota earn an average annual salary of $46,910, which is notably higher than the national average of $43,570. This elevated compensation is often driven by the state's significant agricultural output and the specialized skills required to operate heavy machinery in this sector, making these roles highly valued within the local economy.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $46,910 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $53,560.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 230 and a Location Quotient of 2.54, South Dakota demonstrates a robust demand for Agricultural Equipment Operators. The concentration significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a specialized and vital role for these professionals within the state's economy, suggesting a stable and potentially growing job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$46,910

The average Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota earns+7.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.6

Weekly

$902

Monthly

$3,909

Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in South Dakota

Career progression for Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned operators with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and value to agricultural operations.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$39,160$18.8
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$35,183$16.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$45,890$22.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$58,638$28.2
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$53,560$25.8

Detailed Agricultural Equipment Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$46,910

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$51,100

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $46,910 in South Dakota presents a favorable financial situation when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of an operator's salary is enhanced, allowing for a higher standard of living compared to more expensive states.

Job Market Context

230

Total Jobs

0.51

Per 1K Jobs

2.54

Location Quotient

Major Hub

South Dakota has 2.5x the national concentration of Agricultural Equipment Operators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 2.54 for Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota signifies a market concentration that is more than double the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and in-demand field within the state, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the competition might be concentrated among a skilled pool of professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Agricultural Equipment Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Agricultural Equipment Operators make in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for a Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota is $46,910. This typically ranges from $39,160 for entry-level positions to $53,560 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in South Dakota is 7.7% higher than the national median of $43,570.

Is South Dakota a lucrative place for Agricultural Equipment Operators?

Yes, South Dakota offers a lucrative environment for Agricultural Equipment Operators.Operators in South Dakota earn an average of $46,910 annually, surpassing the national average, and benefit from a cost of living that is below the national benchmark.

Is South Dakota a good place to live for Agricultural Equipment Operators?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does the South Dakota salary compare to the national average?

Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota earn an average of $46,910 annually, which is approximately $3,340 more than the national average of $43,570.

What does the Location Quotient of 2.54 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient of 2.54 indicates that Agricultural Equipment Operator jobs are 2.54 times more concentrated in South Dakota than the national average, suggesting strong local demand and specialization in this field.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in South Dakota?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, South Dakota is more affordable than the national average (100). This means the $46,910 salary offers greater purchasing power for residents.

What is the total number of Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota?

There are approximately 230 Agricultural Equipment Operators employed in South Dakota, representing 0.51 jobs per 1,000 workers in the state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the South Dakota area with a job density of 0.51 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Explore Agricultural Equipment Operators Salaries by State

Semantic Salary Analysis for Agricultural Equipment Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Dakota