South Dakota Median
$43,860
per year
Hourly Rate
$21.09
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+1% vs US median
US median $43,220
State Rank
#21 of 50
1,000 employed here
How much do Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders make in South Dakota?
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders working in South Dakota earn a median salary of $43,860 per year, or about $21.09 per hour. That is 1% above the national median of $43,220 for this occupation.
Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $33,440 while the top 10% make $47,850 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $38,890 and $46,790 a year.
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders salary range in South Dakota
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $33,440 | $16.08 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $38,890 | $18.70 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $43,860 | $21.09 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $46,790 | $22.50 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,850 | $23.00 |
|
How South Dakota compares
South Dakota ranks 21st out of 50 states and territories for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders salary in other states
New Hampshire $49,450Wyoming $48,890Missouri $48,070Maine $47,970North Dakota $47,390Idaho $46,720Vermont $46,670West Virginia $46,410Nebraska $46,220Wisconsin $46,220Colorado $46,010Iowa $45,660Kentucky $45,450Oregon $45,180Virginia $44,950Kansas $44,890Indiana $44,600Pennsylvania $44,480Montana $44,350California $44,020Utah $43,780Maryland $43,670Ohio $43,310Tennessee $43,190Illinois $43,150Georgia $42,920Washington $41,700Michigan $41,690North Carolina $41,150Minnesota $40,960Arizona $40,560Massachusetts $40,360New Jersey $40,280South Carolina $40,010Connecticut $39,460New York $39,330Oklahoma $39,310Texas $38,950Alaska $38,730Delaware $38,500Louisiana $38,370Rhode Island $38,330Alabama $37,820Arkansas $37,740Mississippi $37,720Nevada $37,440Florida $37,170Hawaii $36,810New Mexico $35,640
Working as Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders in South Dakota
Nationally, about 379,000 people work as Packaging and Filling 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 ($43,860) 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 Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders make in South Dakota?
The median Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders salary in South Dakota is $43,860 per year, or about $21.09 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $33,440 at the entry level to $47,850 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders about 1% more than the national median of $43,220. South Dakota ranks 21st out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders?
Yes on pay — South Dakota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $43,860 a year. About 1,000 Packaging and Filling 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 Packaging and Filling 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.