South Dakota Median
$48,060
per year
Hourly Rate
$23.11
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+15% vs US median
US median $41,730
State Rank
#8 of 40
240 employed here
How much does an Agricultural Equipment Operator make in South Dakota?
An Agricultural Equipment Operator working in South Dakota earns a median salary of $48,060 per year, or about $23.11 per hour. That is 15% above the national median of $41,730 for this occupation.
Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $38,480 while the top 10% make $53,250 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $43,880 and $49,120 a year.
Agricultural Equipment Operator salary range in South Dakota
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,480 | $18.50 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $43,880 | $21.10 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $48,060 | $23.11 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $49,120 | $23.62 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $53,250 | $25.60 |
|
How South Dakota compares
South Dakota ranks 8th out of 40 states and territories for Agricultural Equipment Operator pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Agricultural Equipment Operator salary in other states
Montana $58,770Louisiana $58,520New York $50,020Delaware $49,910Massachusetts $49,150Minnesota $48,520North Dakota $48,080Virginia $47,890Iowa $47,220Ohio $47,220Pennsylvania $47,100Wisconsin $47,100Nebraska $46,670Maine $46,490Missouri $46,490Indiana $46,280Illinois $46,050Kansas $45,570Oregon $44,150Michigan $42,380Kentucky $42,000New Jersey $41,660Maryland $39,580North Carolina $39,580Idaho $38,920California $38,820Washington $38,470Tennessee $37,750Colorado $37,290Florida $36,660Arizona $36,600Mississippi $36,460New Mexico $35,580Georgia $35,410Oklahoma $34,900South Carolina $34,490Texas $34,260Alabama $33,910Arkansas $32,060
Working as an Agricultural Equipment Operator in South Dakota
Nationally, about 29,000 people work as Agricultural Equipment Operators in the United States. No college degree is required — most training happens on the job.
Considering a move? Compare South Dakota pay ($48,060) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Agricultural Equipment Operator make in South Dakota?
The median Agricultural Equipment Operator salary in South Dakota is $48,060 per year, or about $23.11 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $38,480 at the entry level to $53,250 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Agricultural Equipment Operators about 15% more than the national median of $41,730. South Dakota ranks 8th out of 40 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Agricultural Equipment Operators?
Yes on pay — South Dakota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $48,060 a year. About 240 Agricultural Equipment Operators are employed in South Dakota. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in South Dakota?
The highest-paying occupations in South Dakota include Radiologist ($586,010), Emergency Medicine Physician ($393,870), Obstetricians and Gynecologists ($297,610), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.
← See the national Agricultural Equipment Operator salary report
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.