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Mechanical Drafters Salary in South Dakota

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Mechanical Drafters make in South Dakota?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$52,610
Median Annual Salary
▲ +2.6% vs 2024
$56,030
Mean Salary
$52,610
Median Salary
$25.29
Hourly Rate
100 people work as Mechanical Drafters in South Dakota

Mechanical Drafters salary by percentile in South Dakota

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

Mechanical Drafters salary in South Dakota — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Mechanical Drafters in South Dakota.10thBottom 10% earn less than $41,760$41,76025th25% earn less than $47,860$47,860MedianHalf earn more than $52,610$52,61075th75% earn less than $65,190$65,19090thTop 10% earn more than $68,620$68,620

Mechanical Drafters in South Dakota earn a median salary of $52,610 per year ($4,384/month). This is 23.4% below the national average of $68,696. South Dakota ranks #47 out of 47 states for Mechanical Drafters pay. Approximately 100 people work in this occupation across South Dakota. Salaries increased by 2.6% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Mechanical Drafters

Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
3.25
Active Listening
3.25
Mathematics
3.25
Critical Thinking
3.25
Active Learning
3.25

Key Knowledge Areas

Design
4.82
Engineering and Technology
4.73
Mechanical
4.48
Mathematics
4.37
English Language
3.93
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (61.3% of workers)

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

Salary Range: Mechanical Drafters in South Dakota

Salaries for Mechanical Drafters in South Dakota range from $41,760 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $68,620 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $47,860 and $65,190.

Median $52,610
P10: $41,760 P25: $47,860 P75: $65,190 P90: $68,620
10th
$41,760
25th
$47,860
Median
$52,610
75th
$65,190
90th
$68,620
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $41,760 $20.08 $3,480
25th Percentile $47,860 $23.01 $3,988
Median (50th) $52,610 $25.29 $4,384
75th Percentile $65,190 $31.34 $5,432
90th Percentile (Experienced) $68,620 $32.99 $5,718

Note: The mean (average) salary of $56,030 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#47
South Dakota ranks #47 of 47 states
$68,696
National avg. for Mechanical Drafters
-23.4%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in South Dakota:

What does this salary really buy? See Mechanical Drafters salary in South Dakota adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Mechanical Drafters take-home pay in South Dakota after taxes →

Explore Mechanical Drafters Data in South Dakota

Mechanical Drafters Salary by State

Compare Mechanical Drafters pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Mechanical Drafters make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Mechanical Drafters in South Dakota is $52,610 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $56,030.
What is the salary range for a Mechanical Drafters in South Dakota?
Salaries for Mechanical Drafters in South Dakota range from $41,760 at the 10th percentile to $68,620 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $47,860 and $65,190.
What is the starting salary for a Mechanical Drafters in South Dakota?
Entry-level Mechanical Drafters positions in South Dakota typically start around $41,760 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $47,860 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Mechanical Drafters in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 100 people are employed as Mechanical Drafters in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Mechanical Drafters in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Mechanical Drafters in South Dakota is approximately $25.29 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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