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Locomotive Engineers Salary in South Dakota
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Locomotive Engineers make in South Dakota?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$69,180
Median Annual Salary
▲
+1.8% vs 2024
$70,010
Mean Salary
$69,180
Median Salary
$33.26
Hourly Rate
150 people work as Locomotive Engineers in South Dakota
Locomotive Engineers salary by percentile in South Dakota
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Locomotive Engineers in South Dakota earn a median salary of $69,180 per year ($5,765/month).
This is 16.8% below the national average of $83,157.
South Dakota ranks #31 out of 35 states for Locomotive Engineers pay.
Approximately 150 people work in this occupation across South Dakota.
Salaries increased by 1.8% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Locomotive Engineers
Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.
Top Skills
Operation and Control
4.12
Operations Monitoring
4.0
Active Listening
3.75
Speaking
3.62
Critical Thinking
3.62
Key Knowledge Areas
Transportation
4.46
Public Safety and Security
3.62
English Language
3.33
Education and Training
3.32
Customer and Personal Service
3.02
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(67.8% of workers)
Salary Range: Locomotive Engineers in South Dakota
Salaries for Locomotive Engineers in South Dakota range from $62,730 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $81,640 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $69,180 and $69,200.
Median $69,180
P10: $62,730P25: $69,180P75: $69,200P90: $81,640
10th
$62,730
25th
$69,180
Median
$69,180
75th
$69,200
90th
$81,640
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$62,730
$30.16
$5,227
25th Percentile
$69,180
$33.26
$5,765
Median (50th)
$69,180
$33.26
$5,765
75th Percentile
$69,200
$33.27
$5,766
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$81,640
$39.25
$6,803
Note: The mean (average) salary of $70,010 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Locomotive Engineers make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Locomotive Engineers in South Dakota is $69,180 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $70,010.
What is the salary range for a Locomotive Engineers in South Dakota?
Salaries for Locomotive Engineers in South Dakota range from $62,730 at the 10th percentile to $81,640 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $69,180 and $69,200.
What is the starting salary for a Locomotive Engineers in South Dakota?
Entry-level Locomotive Engineers positions in South Dakota typically start around $62,730 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $69,180 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Locomotive Engineers in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 150 people are employed as Locomotive Engineers in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Locomotive Engineers in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Locomotive Engineers in South Dakota is approximately $33.26 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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