Technology South Dakota (SD) Rank #45 of 50

Network Engineer Salary in South Dakota

The median network engineer salary in South Dakota is $76,360 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $92,000.

Median Salary
$76,360
vs National
$-15,640
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Network Engineer Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #45 out of 50 states for network engineer compensation. Network Engineer salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $76,360 per year, network engineers in South Dakota earn $15,640 less than the national median of $92,000.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $76,360 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $86,773 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: network engineers at the 10th percentile earn $46,480, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $120,350 — a $73,870 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 $80,040.

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

Network Engineer Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level network engineer earns around $49,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,540 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,800
$-10,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$78,020
$-15,980 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,540
$-23,460 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $46,480
25th Percentile $61,420
Median (50th) $76,360
75th Percentile $97,940
90th Percentile $120,350

Network Engineer Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for network 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 Network Engineer in South Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

CiscoTCP/IPFirewallsVPNNetwork MonitoringCCNA/CCNP

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, network 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: Network Engineer Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Network Engineer make in South Dakota? ▼
The median network engineer salary in South Dakota is $76,360 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $92,000. Salaries range from $46,480 (10th percentile) to $120,350 (90th percentile).
How much does a Network Engineer make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,360, a network engineer in South Dakota earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for network engineers? ▼
South Dakota ranks #45 out of 50 states for network engineer pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level network engineers earn $49,800, while senior professionals earn $114,540.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for network engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for network engineers is Hawaii at $151,800. South Dakota's median of $76,360 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kansas ($77,280) and Kentucky ($76,360).
What is the entry-level network engineer salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level network engineer in South Dakota earns approximately $49,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $78,020. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $114,540.
What city in South Dakota pays network engineers the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for network engineers, with a median salary of $80,040. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.