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Commercial Pilots Salary in South Dakota
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Commercial Pilots make in South Dakota?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$83,710
Median Annual Salary
▲
+10.5% vs 2024
$94,070
Mean Salary
$83,710
Median Salary
$40.25
Hourly Rate
320 people work as Commercial Pilots in South Dakota
Commercial Pilots salary by percentile in South Dakota
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Commercial Pilots in South Dakota earn a median salary of $83,710 per year ($6,975/month).
This is 31.7% below the national average of $122,580.
South Dakota ranks #48 out of 48 states for Commercial Pilots pay.
Approximately 320 people work in this occupation across South Dakota.
Salaries increased by 10.5% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Commercial Pilots
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.
Top Skills
Operation and Control
4.62
Operations Monitoring
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.0
Monitoring
4.0
Active Listening
3.88
Key Knowledge Areas
Transportation
4.62
Customer and Personal Service
4.27
Geography
3.96
English Language
3.7
Public Safety and Security
3.41
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
(28.3% of workers)
Salaries for Commercial Pilots in South Dakota range from $51,590 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $157,840 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $59,420 and $113,430.
How much do Commercial Pilots make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Commercial Pilots in South Dakota is $83,710 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $94,070.
What is the salary range for a Commercial Pilots in South Dakota?
Salaries for Commercial Pilots in South Dakota range from $51,590 at the 10th percentile to $157,840 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $59,420 and $113,430.
What is the starting salary for a Commercial Pilots in South Dakota?
Entry-level Commercial Pilots positions in South Dakota typically start around $51,590 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $59,420 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Commercial Pilots in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 320 people are employed as Commercial Pilots in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Commercial Pilots in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Commercial Pilots in South Dakota is approximately $40.25 per hour.
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.
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