Engineering South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Electrical Engineer Salary in South Dakota

The median electrical engineer salary in South Dakota is $92,057 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $104,610.

Median Salary
$92,057
vs National
$-12,553
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Electrical Engineer Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for electrical engineer compensation. Electrical Engineer salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $92,057 per year, electrical engineers in South Dakota earn $12,553 less than the national median of $104,610.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $92,057 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $104,610 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: electrical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $58,080, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $142,560 — a $84,480 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Dakota for this role is Sioux Falls, where the median reaches $96,241.

Nationally, electrical engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for electrical engineers across the country.

Electrical Engineer Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level electrical engineer earns around $59,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,400 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,840
$-8,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$93,280
$-12,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,400
$-18,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $58,080
25th Percentile $73,040
Median (50th) $92,057
75th Percentile $116,160
90th Percentile $142,560

Electrical Engineer Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for electrical engineers 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 Electrical Engineer in South Dakota

Education

Most electrical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. South Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Circuit DesignMATLABPCB DesignPower SystemsControl SystemsEmbedded Systems

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, electrical engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). South Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Electrical Engineer Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Electrical Engineer make in South Dakota? ▼
The median electrical engineer salary in South Dakota is $92,057 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $104,610. Salaries range from $58,080 (10th percentile) to $142,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Electrical Engineer make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $92,057, a electrical engineer in South Dakota earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for electrical engineers? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for electrical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level electrical engineers earn $59,840, while senior professionals earn $136,400.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for electrical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for electrical engineers is Hawaii at $177,837. South Dakota's median of $92,057 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($93,103) and Missouri ($92,057).
What is the entry-level electrical engineer salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level electrical engineer in South Dakota earns approximately $59,840 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $93,280. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $136,400.
What city in South Dakota pays electrical engineers the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for electrical engineers, with a median salary of $96,241. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.