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.

Sioux Falls, SD
$59,202
Pop. 192,517 · COL 92%
Rapid City, SD
$57,915
Pop. 74,703 · COL 90%
Aberdeen, SD
$54,054
Pop. 28,324 · COL 84%
Brookings, SD
$55,341
Pop. 24,194 · COL 86%
Mitchell, SD
$52,767
Pop. 15,660 · COL 82%

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.

Find Crane Operator Jobs in South Dakota

Browse open crane operator positions in South Dakota:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Crane Operator make 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. Salaries range from $35,200 (10th percentile) to $88,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,628, a crane operator in South Dakota earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for crane operators? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for crane operator pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level crane operators earn $36,960, while senior professionals earn $83,600.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for crane operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for crane operators is Hawaii at $109,395. South Dakota's median of $56,628 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($57,272) and Missouri ($56,628).
What is the entry-level crane operator salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level crane operator in South Dakota earns approximately $36,960 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $58,080. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $83,600.
What city in South Dakota pays crane operators the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for crane operators, with a median salary of $59,202. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.