South Dakota Median
$58,740
per year
Hourly Rate
$28.24
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+18% vs US median
US median $49,740
State Rank
#5 of 36
50 employed here
How much does a Logging Equipment Operator make in South Dakota?
Logging Equipment Operators in South Dakota take home a median of $58,740 annually — roughly $28.24 an hour — which runs 18% above the national median of $49,740.
Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $45,170 while the top 10% make $59,330 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $48,530 and $59,130 a year.
Logging Equipment Operator salary range in South Dakota
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $45,170 | $21.72 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $48,530 | $23.33 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $58,740 | $28.24 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $59,130 | $28.43 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $59,330 | $28.52 |
|
How South Dakota compares
South Dakota ranks 5th out of 36 states and territories for Logging Equipment Operator pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Logging Equipment Operator salary in other states
Washington $75,140Illinois $71,100Texas $62,890California $61,940Oregon $58,720Louisiana $58,600Minnesota $58,590Montana $56,530Idaho $56,490Vermont $52,910New Hampshire $51,540Ohio $50,590Wyoming $49,650Colorado $49,620Mississippi $49,620Florida $49,370Massachusetts $48,960North Carolina $48,420Arkansas $48,280Alabama $47,810South Carolina $47,650Michigan $47,610New York $47,540Maryland $47,530Pennsylvania $46,880Wisconsin $46,360Indiana $46,320Tennessee $46,310Virginia $46,090Georgia $45,080Maine $44,780Missouri $41,770Oklahoma $37,270West Virginia $36,130Kentucky $30,230
Working as a Logging Equipment Operator in South Dakota
Nationally, about 21,000 people work as Logging Equipment Operators in the United States. No college degree is required — most training happens on the job.
Considering a move? Compare South Dakota pay ($58,740) 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 Logging Equipment Operator make in South Dakota?
The median Logging Equipment Operator salary in South Dakota is $58,740 per year, or about $28.24 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $45,170 at the entry level to $59,330 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Logging Equipment Operators about 18% more than the national median of $49,740. South Dakota ranks 5th out of 36 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Logging Equipment Operators?
Yes on pay — South Dakota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $58,740 a year. About 50 Logging 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 Logging 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.