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Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary in South Dakota

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Agricultural Equipment Operators make in South Dakota?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$48,060
Median Annual Salary
▲ +4.7% vs 2024
$47,470
Mean Salary
$48,060
Median Salary
$23.11
Hourly Rate
240 people work as Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota

Agricultural Equipment Operators salary by percentile in South Dakota

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Agricultural Equipment Operators salary in South Dakota — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota.10thBottom 10% earn less than $38,480$38,48025th25% earn less than $43,880$43,880MedianHalf earn more than $48,060$48,06075th75% earn less than $49,120$49,12090thTop 10% earn more than $53,250$53,250

Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota earn a median salary of $48,060 per year ($4,005/month). This is 12.0% above the national average of $42,901. South Dakota ranks #8 out of 40 states for Agricultural Equipment Operators pay. Approximately 240 people work in this occupation across South Dakota. Salaries increased by 4.7% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Agricultural Equipment Operators

Drive and control equipment to support agricultural activities such as tilling soil; planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops; feeding and herding livestock; or removing animal waste. May perform tasks such as crop baling or hay bucking. May operate stationary equipment to perform post-harvest tasks such as husking, shelling, threshing, and ginning.

Top Skills

Operation and Control
3.88
Operations Monitoring
3.75
Troubleshooting
3.12
Active Listening
3.0
Equipment Maintenance
3.0

Key Knowledge Areas

English Language
3.38
Mechanical
2.86
Public Safety and Security
2.79
Mathematics
2.76
Transportation
2.72
Typical Education: Less than a High School Diploma (56.8% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota

Salaries for Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota range from $38,480 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $53,250 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $43,880 and $49,120.

Median $48,060
P10: $38,480 P25: $43,880 P75: $49,120 P90: $53,250
10th
$38,480
25th
$43,880
Median
$48,060
75th
$49,120
90th
$53,250
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $38,480 $18.50 $3,206
25th Percentile $43,880 $21.10 $3,656
Median (50th) $48,060 $23.11 $4,005
75th Percentile $49,120 $23.62 $4,093
90th Percentile (Experienced) $53,250 $25.60 $4,437

Note: The mean (average) salary of $47,470 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#8
South Dakota ranks #8 of 40 states
$42,901
National avg. for Agricultural Equipment Operators
+12.0%
vs. national average
Above Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in South Dakota:

What does this salary really buy? See Agricultural Equipment Operators salary in South Dakota adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Agricultural Equipment Operators take-home pay in South Dakota after taxes →

Explore Agricultural Equipment Operators Data in South Dakota

Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary by State

Compare Agricultural Equipment Operators pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Agricultural Equipment Operators make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota is $48,060 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $47,470.
What is the salary range for a Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota?
Salaries for Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota range from $38,480 at the 10th percentile to $53,250 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $43,880 and $49,120.
What is the starting salary for a Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota?
Entry-level Agricultural Equipment Operators positions in South Dakota typically start around $38,480 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $43,880 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 240 people are employed as Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Agricultural Equipment Operators in South Dakota is approximately $23.11 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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