South Dakota ranks 44th of 51 states and D.C. for machinists pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($101,810) by $51,980 — a 104% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $37,680 to $59,690 — a $22,010 spread, 46% tighter than the national $40,660 range.
Machinists are less concentrated in South Dakota than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.66 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.52× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $37,680 | $18.12 |
| 25th percentile | $42,660 | $20.51 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $49,830 | $23.96 |
| 75th percentile | $58,770 | $28.26 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $59,690 | $28.70 |
| Mean (average) | $50,110 | $24.09 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $49,830 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $101,810 | +104% |
| Hawaii | $77,060 | +55% |
| Alaska | $72,710 | +46% |
| Washington | $64,510 | +29% |
| Wyoming | $64,020 | +28% |
| Massachusetts | $62,420 | +25% |
| Oregon | $62,120 | +25% |
| New Jersey | $62,010 | +24% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistants | $49,840 | 300 |
| Sheet Metal Workers | $49,780 | 540 |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $49,720 | 2,090 |
| Special Education Teachers, Secondary School | $49,990 | 530 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $49,630 | 230 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $49,560 | 240 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Machinists salary in South Dakota?
The mean machinists salary in South Dakota is $50,110 per year. The median (middle) salary is $49,830 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Machinists in South Dakota?
Entry-level machinistss (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $37,680 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $42,660 per year.
What is the highest Machinists salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $59,690 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $58,770 per year.
How does the South Dakota Machinists salary compare to the national average?
The median machinists salary in South Dakota is $49,830, which is -11% below national average of $56,150.