Estimate · based on BLS national data

Aerospace Engineers in South Dakota

$123,592 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$59.42 per hour

▼ 13.0% below U.S. average40th of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: Estimate (BLS national × cost of living) Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$123,592per year
Median$117,415per year
Hourly$59.42per hour
10th – 90th percentile$80,614 – $164,794per year

Aerospace Engineers Pay Range in South Dakota

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$80,614
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$101,353
  • 50th Percentile — Median$117,415
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$148,016
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$164,794

Half of Aerospace Engineers in South Dakota earn more than $117,415. The top 10% make $164,794 or more, while entry-level workers start around $80,614.

Aerospace Engineers in South Dakota: Key Facts

Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living

  • South Dakota ranks 40th of 51 states for Aerospace Engineers pay, at $123,592 per year (13.0% below the U.S. average of $142,060).
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $80,614; the top 10% earn over $164,794.
  • Hourly equivalent: $59.42 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is Rhode Island at $163,369.
  • Among engineering jobs in South Dakota, Petroleum Engineers pays the most ($136,720).

Aerospace Engineers Job Market in South Dakota

Key factors affecting compensation

South Dakota's key industries are Agriculture, Finance, Tourism, and its job market is rated moderate. Aerospace Engineers here earn $123,592 on average, placing the state 40th nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 0.87 (U.S. = 1.00), a South Dakota salary of $123,592 is roughly equivalent to $142,060 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, North Carolina ($127,500), Michigan ($125,820), Illinois ($125,610) are the closest alternatives for Aerospace Engineers weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

Related career salary benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Aerospace Engineers salary in South Dakota?

The average Aerospace Engineers salary in South Dakota is $123,592 per year (median $117,415), which is 13.0% below the national average of $142,060.

How does South Dakota rank for Aerospace Engineers pay?

South Dakota ranks 40th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is Rhode Island ($163,369/yr).

How much do entry-level Aerospace Engineers make in South Dakota?

The lowest-paid 10% of Aerospace Engineers in South Dakota earn about $80,614 per year and the 25th percentile is $101,353.

How much do Aerospace Engineers make per hour in South Dakota?

About $59.42 per hour, based on the $123,592 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

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