South Dakota ranks 29th of 50 states and D.C. for civil engineers pay, trailing top-paying California ($118,450) by $23,340 — a 25% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $67,500 to $127,610 — a $60,110 spread, 37% tighter than the national $95,070 range.
Civil Engineers are more concentrated in South Dakota than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.22 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.22× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $67,500 | $32.45 |
| 25th percentile | $79,150 | $38.05 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $95,110 | $45.73 |
| 75th percentile | $108,590 | $52.21 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $127,610 | $61.35 |
| Mean (average) | $96,590 | $46.44 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $95,110 | n/a |
| California | $118,450 | +25% |
| Rhode Island | $112,250 | +18% |
| Alaska | $107,240 | +13% |
| Washington | $105,090 | +10% |
| New Mexico | $104,600 | +10% |
| Massachusetts | $104,450 | +10% |
| Mississippi | $103,940 | +9% |
| New Jersey | $103,690 | +9% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | $94,630 | 70 |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $95,850 | 1,050 |
| Lawyers | $96,550 | 1,130 |
| Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | $96,960 | 470 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | $92,060 | 810 |
| Data Scientists | $92,000 | 270 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Civil Engineers salary in South Dakota?
The mean civil engineers salary in South Dakota is $96,590 per year. The median (middle) salary is $95,110 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Civil Engineers in South Dakota?
Entry-level civil engineerss (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $67,500 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $79,150 per year.
What is the highest Civil Engineers salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $127,610 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $108,590 per year.
How does the South Dakota Civil Engineers salary compare to the national average?
The median civil engineers salary in South Dakota is $95,110, which is -4% below national average of $99,590.