Construction & Real Estate South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Crane Operator Salary in South Dakota

The median crane operator salary in South Dakota is $56,628 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $64,350.

Median Salary
$56,628
vs National
$-7,722
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Crane Operator Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level crane operator earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,080
$-7,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $35,200
25th Percentile $44,000
Median (50th) $56,628
75th Percentile $72,160
90th Percentile $88,000

Crane Operator Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for crane operators in South Dakota include Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Brookings. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Crane Operator in South Dakota

Education

Most crane operator positions require a high school diploma. South Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Crane OperationLoad CalculationSafety ProtocolsCommunicationEquipment InspectionNCCCO Certification

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, crane operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). South Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.