Trades & Labor Mitchell, SD Pop. 15,660

Truck Driver Salary in Mitchell, South Dakota

The median truck driver salary in Mitchell, SD is $40,934 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 6.8% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$40,934
vs State Avg
$-2,996
vs National
$-8,986
Cost of Living
82%

Truck Driver Pay in Mitchell: What to Expect (2026)

Mitchell offers a median truck driver salary of $40,934, which is $2,996 below the South Dakota state average of $43,930. Compared to the national median of $49,920, Mitchell pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Mitchell's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $40,934 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,920 in an average-cost city. This makes Mitchell an attractive option for truck drivers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for truck drivers in Mitchell spans from $27,224 at the 10th percentile to $63,960 at the 90th percentile — a $36,736 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,700, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,040. Mitchell is a smaller market (pop. 15,660), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Truck Driver Salary in Mitchell by Experience

In Mitchell, an entry-level truck driver earns around $28,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,700
$-6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,000
$-9,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,040
$-12,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Mitchell, SD

Percentile Mitchell
10th Percentile $27,224
25th Percentile $32,964
Median (50th) $40,934
75th Percentile $52,316
90th Percentile $63,960

Truck Driver Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$45,926
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$44,928
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$42,931
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$41,933
Pop. 28,324

How to Become a Truck Driver in Mitchell

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Mitchell and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook

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

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Mitchell

Browse open truck driver positions in Mitchell, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Mitchell

How much does a Truck Driver make in Mitchell, SD? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Mitchell, South Dakota is $40,934 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $27,224 (10th percentile) to $63,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Mitchell? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,934, a truck driver in Mitchell earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Mitchell compare to the South Dakota state average for truck driver pay? ▼
Mitchell's median truck driver salary of $40,934 is 6.8% below the South Dakota state average of $43,930. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Mitchell, SD? ▼
Mitchell has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a truck driver salary of $40,934 in Mitchell has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Mitchell? ▼
Most truck driver positions in Mitchell require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include CDL License, Route Planning, Vehicle Inspection, DOT Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.