South Dakota Median
$45,040
per year
Hourly Rate
$21.65
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+1% vs US median
US median $44,810
State Rank
#23 of 44
120 employed here
How much do Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders make in South Dakota?
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in South Dakota take home a median of $45,040 annually — roughly $21.65 an hour — which runs 1% above the national median of $44,810.
Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $37,040 while the top 10% make $60,220 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $38,380 and $45,430 a year.
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders salary range in South Dakota
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,040 | $17.81 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $38,380 | $18.45 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $45,040 | $21.65 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $45,430 | $21.84 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,220 | $28.95 |
|
How South Dakota compares
South Dakota ranks 23rd out of 44 states and territories for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders salary in other states
North Dakota $77,300Maryland $60,170Colorado $59,590Virginia $59,260Alaska $55,280Nevada $54,950Washington $50,590Minnesota $50,340Maine $50,220Pennsylvania $49,660New York $49,020Wisconsin $48,560Kentucky $48,540Idaho $48,250Michigan $48,240Iowa $47,960Utah $47,940Oregon $46,250California $45,600Massachusetts $45,400Hawaii $45,390Arkansas $45,080Kansas $44,550Ohio $44,190Missouri $43,460Nebraska $43,410Indiana $43,370Arizona $43,010Oklahoma $42,390Connecticut $41,720Vermont $40,990South Carolina $40,000Tennessee $39,130Louisiana $38,440Illinois $38,230Georgia $37,390New Jersey $37,140Texas $37,140Mississippi $37,030North Carolina $35,980New Mexico $35,480Montana $35,360Florida $35,340
Working as Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders in South Dakota
Nationally, about 20,000 people work as Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders 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 ($45,040) 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 Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders make in South Dakota?
The median Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders salary in South Dakota is $45,040 per year, or about $21.65 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $37,040 at the entry level to $60,220 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders about 1% more than the national median of $44,810. South Dakota ranks 23rd out of 44 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders?
Yes on pay — South Dakota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $45,040 a year. About 120 Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders 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 Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders 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.