Construction & Real Estate Sioux Falls, SD Pop. 192,517

Crane Operator Salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The median crane operator salary in Sioux Falls, SD is $59,202 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$59,202
vs State Avg
+$2,574
vs National
$-5,148
Cost of Living
92%

Crane Operator Pay in Sioux Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux Falls offers a median crane operator salary of $59,202, which is $2,574 above the South Dakota state average of $56,628. Compared to the national median of $64,350, Sioux Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Sioux Falls's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for crane operators in Sioux Falls spans from $36,800 at the 10th percentile to $92,000 at the 90th percentile — a $55,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,640, while senior crane operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $87,400. With a population of 192,517, Sioux Falls is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Crane Operator Salary in Sioux Falls by Experience

In Sioux Falls, an entry-level crane operator earns around $38,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,720
$-5,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-7,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux Falls, SD

Percentile Sioux Falls
10th Percentile $36,800
25th Percentile $46,000
Median (50th) $59,202
75th Percentile $75,440
90th Percentile $92,000

Crane Operator Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Rapid City, SD
$57,915
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$55,341
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$54,054
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$52,767
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Crane Operator in Sioux Falls

Education

Most crane operator positions require a high school diploma. Sioux Falls and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Crane OperationLoad CalculationSafety ProtocolsCommunicationEquipment InspectionNCCCO Certification

Job Outlook

Nationally, crane operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Sioux Falls may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Crane Operator Jobs in Sioux Falls

Browse open crane operator positions in Sioux Falls, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Crane Operator Salary in Sioux Falls

How much does a Crane Operator make in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼
The median crane operator salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is $59,202 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $64,350. Salaries range from $36,800 (10th percentile) to $92,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Crane Operator make per hour in Sioux Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,202, a crane operator in Sioux Falls earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux Falls compare to the South Dakota state average for crane operator pay? ▼
Sioux Falls's median crane operator salary of $59,202 is 4.5% above the South Dakota state average of $56,628. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼
Sioux Falls has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a crane operator salary of $59,202 in Sioux Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a crane operator in Sioux Falls? ▼
Most crane operator positions in Sioux Falls require a high school diploma. Key skills include Crane Operation, Load Calculation, Safety Protocols, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.