Trades & Labor South Dakota (SD) Rank #44 of 50

Pile Driver Operator Salary in South Dakota

The median pile driver operator salary in South Dakota is $64,108 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $72,850.

Median Salary
$64,108
vs National
$-8,742
State Rank
#44 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Pile Driver Operator Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #44 out of 50 states for pile driver operator compensation. Pile Driver Operator salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $64,108 per year, pile driver operators in South Dakota earn $8,742 less than the national median of $72,850.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $64,108 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $72,850 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: pile driver operators at the 10th percentile earn $36,960, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $98,560 — a $61,600 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 $67,022.

Nationally, pile driver operator employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for pile driver operators across the country.

Pile Driver Operator Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level pile driver operator earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,040 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,600
$-5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,120
$-8,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,040
$-12,960 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $36,960
25th Percentile $47,520
Median (50th) $64,108
75th Percentile $82,720
90th Percentile $98,560

Pile Driver Operator Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for pile driver operators 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 Pile Driver Operator in South Dakota

Education

Most pile driver operator positions require a high school diploma. South Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Pile Driving EquipmentConstructionEquipment MaintenanceSafetyCommunicationPhysical Stamina

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, pile driver operator employment is projected to grow 8% 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: Pile Driver Operator Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Pile Driver Operator make in South Dakota? ▼
The median pile driver operator salary in South Dakota is $64,108 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $72,850. Salaries range from $36,960 (10th percentile) to $98,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Pile Driver Operator make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,108, a pile driver operator in South Dakota earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for pile driver operators? ▼
South Dakota ranks #44 out of 50 states for pile driver operator pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level pile driver operators earn $39,600, while senior professionals earn $95,040.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for pile driver operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for pile driver operators is Hawaii at $129,673. South Dakota's median of $64,108 ranks #44 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($64,837) and Missouri ($64,108).
What is the entry-level pile driver operator salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level pile driver operator in South Dakota earns approximately $39,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $65,120. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $95,040.
What city in South Dakota pays pile driver operators the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for pile driver operators, with a median salary of $67,022. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.