Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators Salary in South Dakota (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators in South Dakota, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
South Dakota Median
$47,410
per year
Hourly Rate
$22.79
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+2% vs US median
US median $46,420
State Rank
#26 of 51
1,940 employed here

How much do Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators make in South Dakota?

Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators in South Dakota take home a median of $47,410 annually — roughly $22.79 an hour — which runs 2% above the national median of $46,420.

Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $37,780 while the top 10% make $61,080 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $43,320 and $54,770 a year.

Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators salary range in South Dakota

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$37,780$18.16
25th percentile (early career)$43,320$20.83
50th percentile (median)$47,410$22.79
75th percentile (experienced)$54,770$26.33
90th percentile (top earners)$61,080$29.37

How South Dakota compares

South Dakota ranks 26th out of 51 states and territories for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1District of Columbia$83,720
2New Mexico$62,150
3Delaware$60,350
4Wyoming$59,820
5New Hampshire$54,460

Working as Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators in South Dakota

Nationally, about 774,000 people work as Industrial Truck and Tractor 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 ($47,410) 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 Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators make in South Dakota?
The median Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators salary in South Dakota is $47,410 per year, or about $22.79 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $37,780 at the entry level to $61,080 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators about 2% more than the national median of $46,420. South Dakota ranks 26th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators?
Yes on pay — South Dakota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $47,410 a year. About 1,940 Industrial Truck and Tractor 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 Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators 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.