South Dakota ranks 34th of 50 states and D.C. for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators pay, trailing top-paying California ($82,100) by $28,010 — a 52% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $43,000 to $74,220 — a $31,220 spread, 35% tighter than the national $48,290 range.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are more concentrated in South Dakota than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 2.79 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 2.79× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $43,000 | $20.67 |
| 25th percentile | $47,230 | $22.71 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $54,090 | $26.01 |
| 75th percentile | $62,900 | $30.24 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $74,220 | $35.68 |
| Mean (average) | $56,830 | $27.32 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $54,090 | n/a |
| California | $82,100 | +52% |
| Nevada | $79,140 | +46% |
| Washington | $78,810 | +46% |
| Alaska | $76,910 | +42% |
| New Jersey | $75,200 | +39% |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | +38% |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | +30% |
| Colorado | $68,220 | +26% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School | $54,220 | 380 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers | $53,900 | 260 |
| Real Estate Sales Agents | $54,410 | 330 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $54,520 | 760 |
| Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers | $54,760 | 230 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $53,400 | 1,510 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in South Dakota?
The mean water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in South Dakota is $56,830 per year. The median (middle) salary is $54,090 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Dakota?
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorss (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $43,000 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $47,230 per year.
What is the highest Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $74,220 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $62,900 per year.
How does the South Dakota Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary compare to the national average?
The median water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in South Dakota is $54,090, which is -7% below national average of $58,260.