South Dakota Median
$51,160
per year
Hourly Rate
$24.60
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+1% vs US median
US median $50,620
State Rank
#25 of 51
2,010 employed here
How much do Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics make in South Dakota?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in South Dakota take home a median of $51,160 annually — roughly $24.60 an hour — which runs 1% above the national median of $50,620.
Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $38,670 while the top 10% make $80,500 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,790 and $61,610 a year.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salary range in South Dakota
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,670 | $18.59 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $44,790 | $21.53 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $51,160 | $24.60 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $61,610 | $29.62 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $80,500 | $38.70 |
|
How South Dakota compares
South Dakota ranks 25th out of 51 states and territories for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salary in other states
District of Columbia $68,660California $64,980Colorado $61,280Alaska $60,840Massachusetts $60,760Connecticut $60,220Virginia $59,330New Hampshire $59,020Montana $58,740Oregon $58,520Delaware $58,410Minnesota $58,390Maryland $57,520North Dakota $57,360Washington $57,270New Jersey $56,610Wisconsin $54,350Michigan $54,120New York $54,120Hawaii $52,160Maine $52,040Rhode Island $51,770Vermont $51,630Wyoming $51,330Nebraska $50,560Iowa $50,510Tennessee $50,290Pennsylvania $49,800Arizona $49,570Indiana $49,360Illinois $49,170Missouri $49,160Georgia $49,060Ohio $48,710Idaho $48,420Texas $48,310Nevada $48,290Florida $48,260North Carolina $48,200South Carolina $48,100Kansas $47,790New Mexico $47,300Utah $46,570Oklahoma $46,560Louisiana $46,400Alabama $45,640Kentucky $44,890Arkansas $44,160Mississippi $37,820West Virginia $37,660
Working as Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in South Dakota
Nationally, about 705,000 people work as Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.
Considering a move? Compare South Dakota pay ($51,160) 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 do Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics make in South Dakota?
The median Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salary in South Dakota is $51,160 per year, or about $24.60 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $38,670 at the entry level to $80,500 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics about 1% more than the national median of $50,620. South Dakota ranks 25th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Yes on pay — South Dakota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $51,160 a year. About 2,010 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics 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 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics 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.