Average Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products Salary in South Dakota
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in South Dakota earn an average annual salary of $40,500, significantly exceeding the national average of $36,000. This higher local compensation is often driven by the state's robust agricultural sector and the specialized demand for these roles within its economy.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,500 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,680.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 460 individuals in this role, South Dakota demonstrates a notable concentration of Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products. The Location Quotient of 5.84 indicates a significantly higher presence of these jobs in South Dakota compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand within the state's agricultural industry.
Salary Overview
The average Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in South Dakota earns+12.5%above the national average.
$19.5
$779
$3,375
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in South Dakota have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages driven by inflation and evolving labor market dynamics. This suggests a positive trajectory for compensation in this field within the state.
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products Salary Distribution in South Dakota
Career progression for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more senior or specialized roles. While exact figures vary, experienced professionals can command salaries well above the average, with significant percentile gaps reflecting increased responsibility, efficiency, and expertise gained over time.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $28,900 | $13.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $30,375 | $14.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $39,730 | $19.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $50,625 | $24.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $48,680 | $23.4 |
Detailed Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,500
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,118
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
The average annual salary of $40,500 in South Dakota presents a strong financial advantage when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index, which is below the national average of 100, means that the purchasing power of the $40,500 salary is effectively higher in South Dakota, allowing for a greater disposable income compared to living in a higher cost-of-living area.
Job Market Context
460
Total Jobs
1.018
Per 1K Jobs
5.84
Location Quotient
South Dakota has 5.8x the national concentration of Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
South Dakota's Location Quotient of 5.84 for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products is exceptionally high, signaling a market where this profession is far more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive job market, with employers likely seeking candidates with specific agricultural product sorting and grading skills relevant to the state's dominant industries.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for a Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in South Dakota is $40,500. This typically ranges from $28,900 for entry-level positions to $48,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Dakota is 12.5% higher than the national median of $36,000.
Is South Dakota a lucrative place for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products?
Yes, South Dakota offers a lucrative environment for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products.The average salary of $40,500 is notably higher than the national average, and the significantly lower cost of living further enhances the financial appeal of working in this role within the state.
Is South Dakota a good place to live for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products?
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?
The average annual salary for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in South Dakota is $40,500, which is $4,500 higher than the national average of $36,000.
What does the Location Quotient of 5.84 mean for this role in South Dakota?
A Location Quotient of 5.84 indicates that Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products are employed in South Dakota at a rate 5.84 times higher than the national average, signifying a strong concentration and demand for this profession in the state.
How does the cost of living in South Dakota affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100), the $40,500 salary in South Dakota offers greater purchasing power, making it more financially advantageous than earning the same amount in a higher-cost state.
What is the job market like for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products in South Dakota?
The job market is robust, evidenced by a high concentration (LQ of 5.84) and a significant number of jobs per 1,000 workers (1.018), suggesting ample opportunities within the state's agricultural sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 460 employees in the South Dakota area with a job density of 1.018 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Dakota