South Dakota Median
$101,450
per year
Hourly Rate
$48.77
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+16% vs US median
US median $87,820
State Rank
#9 of 43
90 employed here
How much does a Gas Plant Operator make in South Dakota?
Gas Plant Operators in South Dakota take home a median of $101,450 annually — roughly $48.77 an hour — which runs 16% above the national median of $87,820.
Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $83,530 while the top 10% make $104,660 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $99,780 and $101,450 a year.
Gas Plant Operator salary range in South Dakota
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $83,530 | $40.16 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $99,780 | $47.97 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $101,450 | $48.77 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $101,450 | $48.77 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $104,660 | $50.32 |
|
How South Dakota compares
South Dakota ranks 9th out of 43 states and territories for Gas Plant Operator pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Gas Plant Operator salary in other states
California $130,220New Jersey $110,900Oregon $109,760Connecticut $109,060Louisiana $108,350Arizona $104,600Massachusetts $103,830Maryland $102,950Arkansas $100,870Michigan $100,500Minnesota $100,500New York $98,390Utah $98,300Colorado $98,080Illinois $97,810New Mexico $97,660North Dakota $96,760Maine $93,990Iowa $92,970Missouri $87,820Nebraska $87,790Virginia $86,500Indiana $85,790Wisconsin $85,080Washington $83,650Montana $83,630West Virginia $82,600Ohio $82,130Mississippi $81,600Wyoming $81,550North Carolina $81,460Georgia $81,220Pennsylvania $80,810Kansas $80,760Texas $79,910Idaho $79,280Oklahoma $78,310Alabama $77,120South Carolina $67,580Florida $67,170Tennessee $66,560Kentucky $63,070
Working as a Gas Plant Operator in South Dakota
Nationally, about 18,000 people work as Gas Plant Operators 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 ($101,450) 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 a Gas Plant Operator make in South Dakota?
The median Gas Plant Operator salary in South Dakota is $101,450 per year, or about $48.77 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $83,530 at the entry level to $104,660 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Gas Plant Operators about 16% more than the national median of $87,820. South Dakota ranks 9th out of 43 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Gas Plant Operators?
Yes on pay — South Dakota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $101,450 a year. About 90 Gas Plant 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 Gas Plant 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.