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Crane and Tower Operators Salary in South Dakota

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Crane and Tower Operators make in South Dakota?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$71,000
Median Annual Salary
▲ +0.9% vs 2024
$70,560
Mean Salary
$71,000
Median Salary
$34.13
Hourly Rate
120 people work as Crane and Tower Operators in South Dakota

Crane and Tower Operators salary by percentile in South Dakota

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

Crane and Tower Operators salary in South Dakota — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Crane and Tower Operators in South Dakota.10thBottom 10% earn less than $58,370$58,37025th25% earn less than $61,080$61,080MedianHalf earn more than $71,000$71,00075th75% earn less than $77,450$77,45090thTop 10% earn more than $93,600$93,600

Crane and Tower Operators in South Dakota earn a median salary of $71,000 per year ($5,916/month). This is 2.3% below the national average of $72,701. South Dakota ranks #22 out of 50 states for Crane and Tower Operators pay. Approximately 120 people work in this occupation across South Dakota. Salaries increased by 0.9% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Crane and Tower Operators

Operate mechanical boom and cable or tower and cable equipment to lift and move materials, machines, or products in many directions.

Top Skills

Operation and Control
3.88
Operations Monitoring
3.75
Critical Thinking
3.25
Active Listening
3.12
Monitoring
3.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Mechanical
3.55
Mathematics
3.0
Transportation
2.93
English Language
2.91
Public Safety and Security
2.77
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate (60.6% of workers)

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

Salary Range: Crane and Tower Operators in South Dakota

Salaries for Crane and Tower Operators in South Dakota range from $58,370 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $93,600 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $61,080 and $77,450.

Median $71,000
P10: $58,370 P25: $61,080 P75: $77,450 P90: $93,600
10th
$58,370
25th
$61,080
Median
$71,000
75th
$77,450
90th
$93,600
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $58,370 $28.06 $4,864
25th Percentile $61,080 $29.37 $5,090
Median (50th) $71,000 $34.13 $5,916
75th Percentile $77,450 $37.24 $6,454
90th Percentile (Experienced) $93,600 $45.00 $7,800

Note: The mean (average) salary of $70,560 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#22
South Dakota ranks #22 of 50 states
$72,701
National avg. for Crane and Tower Operators
-2.3%
vs. national average
Near Average

What does this salary really buy? See Crane and Tower Operators salary in South Dakota adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Crane and Tower Operators take-home pay in South Dakota after taxes →

Explore Crane and Tower Operators Data in South Dakota

Crane and Tower Operators Salary by State

Compare Crane and Tower Operators pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Crane and Tower Operators make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Crane and Tower Operators in South Dakota is $71,000 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $70,560.
What is the salary range for a Crane and Tower Operators in South Dakota?
Salaries for Crane and Tower Operators in South Dakota range from $58,370 at the 10th percentile to $93,600 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $61,080 and $77,450.
What is the starting salary for a Crane and Tower Operators in South Dakota?
Entry-level Crane and Tower Operators positions in South Dakota typically start around $58,370 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $61,080 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Crane and Tower Operators in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 120 people are employed as Crane and Tower Operators in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Crane and Tower Operators in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Crane and Tower Operators in South Dakota is approximately $34.13 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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