Average Airfield Operations Specialists Salary in South Dakota
The average salary for Airfield Operations Specialistss in South Dakota is $46,150. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in South Dakota may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, South Dakota is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 3.3x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $57,360.
- Outlook: The current demand for Airfield Operations Specialistss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 160 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader South Dakota economy.
Salary Overview
The average Airfield Operations Specialists in South Dakota earns-25.6%below the national average.
$22.2
$888
$3,846
Airfield Operations Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Airfield Operations Specialists salaries in South Dakota have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 36.7%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Airfield Operations Specialists Salary Distribution in South Dakota
The earning potential for Airfield Operations Specialistss in South Dakota varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $36,430, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $57,360.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,430 | $17.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,613 | $16.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $44,860 | $21.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $57,688 | $27.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $57,360 | $27.6 |
Detailed Airfield Operations Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$50,272
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
This is a financial "Hidden Gem". Although the nominal salary is $46,150, the lower cost of living in South Dakota (8.2% below national average) boosts your purchasing power to an equivalent of $50,272. This allows for significant savings.
Job Market Context
160
Total Jobs
0.356
Per 1K Jobs
3.3
Location Quotient
South Dakota has 3.3x the national concentration of Airfield Operations Specialists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
160 people work as Airfield Operations Specialists in South Dakota.
Only 0.356 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Airfield Operations Specialists roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Airfield Operations Specialistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Airfield Operations Specialists make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for a Airfield Operations Specialists in South Dakota is $46,150. This typically ranges from $36,430 for entry-level positions to $57,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Dakota is 25.6% lower than the national median of $62,030.
Is South Dakota a good place for Airfield Operations Specialistss?
Yes, South Dakota is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($46,150), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Airfield Operations Specialistss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is South Dakota a good place to live for Airfield Operations Specialists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 160 employees in the South Dakota area with a job density of 0.356 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Airfield Operations Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Dakota