Trades & Labor Brookings, SD Pop. 24,194

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Brookings, South Dakota

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Brookings, SD is $45,184 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 2.3% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$45,184
vs State Avg
$-1,051
vs National
$-7,356
Cost of Living
86%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Brookings by Experience

In Brookings, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $30,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,440
$-7,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,800
$-11,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Brookings, SD

Percentile Brookings
10th Percentile $29,240
25th Percentile $35,260
Median (50th) $45,184
75th Percentile $58,480
90th Percentile $72,240

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$48,337
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$47,286
Pop. 74,703
Aberdeen, SD
$44,134
Pop. 28,324
Mitchell, SD
$43,083
Pop. 15,660

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Brookings

Education

Most heavy equipment operator positions require a high school diploma. Brookings and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Brookings

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Brookings, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Brookings

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Brookings, SD? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Brookings, South Dakota is $45,184 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $29,240 (10th percentile) to $72,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Brookings? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,184, a heavy equipment operator in Brookings earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Brookings compare to the South Dakota state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Brookings's median heavy equipment operator salary of $45,184 is 2.3% below the South Dakota state average of $46,235. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Brookings, SD? ▼
Brookings has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $45,184 in Brookings has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a heavy equipment operator in Brookings? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Brookings require a high school diploma. Key skills include Equipment Operation, GPS/Grade Control, Safety Procedures, Mechanical Knowledge. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.