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Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators make in South Dakota?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$64,550
Median Annual Salary
$65,260
Mean Salary
$64,550
Median Salary
$31.03
Hourly Rate
70 people work as Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in South Dakota

About This Job: Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators

Lay, repair, and maintain track for standard or narrow-gauge railroad equipment used in regular railroad service or in plant yards, quarries, sand and gravel pits, and mines. Includes ballast cleaning machine operators and railroad bed tamping machine operators.

Top Skills

Operations Monitoring
3.75
Operation and Control
3.75
Equipment Maintenance
3.25
Troubleshooting
3.25
Critical Thinking
3.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Transportation
3.66
Mechanical
3.65
Building and Construction
3.51
Public Safety and Security
3.25
Administration and Management
3.04
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (90.2% of workers)

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

Salary Range: Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in South Dakota

Salaries for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in South Dakota range from $60,600 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $71,400 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $64,540 and $71,370.

Median $64,550
P10: $60,600 P25: $64,540 P75: $71,370 P90: $71,400
10th
$60,600
25th
$64,540
Median
$64,550
75th
$71,370
90th
$71,400
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $60,600 $29.13 $5,050
25th Percentile $64,540 $31.03 $5,378
Median (50th) $64,550 $31.03 $5,379
75th Percentile $71,370 $34.31 $5,947
90th Percentile (Experienced) $71,400 $34.33 $5,950

Note: The mean (average) salary of $65,260 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

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What does this salary really buy? See Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators salary in South Dakota adjusted for cost of living →

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators Salary by State

Compare Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

Maryland $90,410 Delaware $86,330 New York $84,840 Massachusetts $82,840 Indiana $79,320 Iowa $79,240 Illinois $76,930 Arizona $75,770 New Mexico $74,460 Wisconsin $70,870

View all 50 states →

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in South Dakota is $64,550 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $65,260.
What is the salary range for a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in South Dakota?
Salaries for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in South Dakota range from $60,600 at the 10th percentile to $71,400 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $64,540 and $71,370.
What is the starting salary for a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in South Dakota?
Entry-level Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators positions in South Dakota typically start around $60,600 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $64,540 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in South Dakota?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 70 people are employed as Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in South Dakota is approximately $31.03 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 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