Technology South Dakota (SD) Rank #45 of 50

Robotics Engineer Salary in South Dakota

The median robotics engineer salary in South Dakota is $83,166 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $100,200.

Median Salary
$83,166
vs National
$-17,034
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Robotics Engineer Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #45 out of 50 states for robotics engineer compensation. Robotics Engineer salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $83,166 per year, robotics engineers in South Dakota earn $17,034 less than the national median of $100,200.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $83,166 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $94,507 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: robotics engineers at the 10th percentile earn $51,460, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $136,950 — a $85,490 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 $87,174.

Nationally, robotics engineer employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for robotics engineers across the country.

Robotics Engineer Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level robotics engineer earns around $53,950, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,140 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,950
$-11,050 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,660
$-17,340 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$131,140
$-26,860 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $51,460
25th Percentile $66,400
Median (50th) $83,166
75th Percentile $109,560
90th Percentile $136,950

Robotics Engineer Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for robotics 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 Robotics Engineer in South Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

ROSC++/PythonControl SystemsCADSensors/ActuatorsMachine Learning

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, robotics engineer employment is projected to grow 9% 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: Robotics Engineer Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Robotics Engineer make in South Dakota? ▼
The median robotics engineer salary in South Dakota is $83,166 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $100,200. Salaries range from $51,460 (10th percentile) to $136,950 (90th percentile).
How much does a Robotics Engineer make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,166, a robotics engineer in South Dakota earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for robotics engineers? ▼
South Dakota ranks #45 out of 50 states for robotics engineer pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level robotics engineers earn $53,950, while senior professionals earn $131,140.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for robotics engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for robotics engineers is Hawaii at $165,330. South Dakota's median of $83,166 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kansas ($84,168) and Kentucky ($83,166).
What is the entry-level robotics engineer salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level robotics engineer in South Dakota earns approximately $53,950 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $84,660. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $131,140.
What city in South Dakota pays robotics engineers the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for robotics engineers, with a median salary of $87,174. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.