Air Traffic Controllers Pay Range in South Dakota
Pay distribution across experience levels
- 10th Percentile — Entry Level$74,193
- 25th Percentile — Junior$98,064
- 50th Percentile — Median$128,830
- 75th Percentile — Senior$151,774
- 90th Percentile — Top Earners$172,575
Half of Air Traffic Controllers in South Dakota earn more than $128,830. The top 10% make $172,575 or more, while entry-level workers start around $74,193.
Air Traffic Controllers in South Dakota: Key Facts
Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living
- South Dakota ranks 33rd of 51 states for Air Traffic Controllers pay, at $127,446 per year (13.0% below the U.S. average of $146,490).
- Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $74,193; the top 10% earn over $172,575.
- Hourly equivalent: $61.27 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
- The highest-paying state is Virginia at $175,740.
- Among transportation jobs in South Dakota, Airline Pilots Copilots and Flight Engineers pays the most ($251,126).
Air Traffic Controllers 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. Air Traffic Controllers here earn $127,446 on average, placing the state 33rd nationally.
With a cost-of-living index of 0.87 (U.S. = 1.00), a South Dakota salary of $127,446 is roughly equivalent to $146,490 at the national average cost of living.
Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Michigan ($134,670), Massachusetts ($132,750), Alaska ($130,420) are the closest alternatives for Air Traffic Controllers weighing a move.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
Other Transportation Jobs in South Dakota
Related career salary benchmarks
- Airline Pilots Copilots and Flight Engineers $251,126/yr South Dakota +97.0% vs this role
- Commercial Pilots $94,070/yr South Dakota 26.2% vs this role
- Captains Mates and Pilots of Water Vessels $90,236/yr South Dakota 29.2% vs this role
- Transportation Inspectors $77,050/yr South Dakota 39.5% vs this role
- Locomotive Engineers $70,010/yr South Dakota 45.1% vs this role
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $58,550/yr South Dakota 54.1% vs this role
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $48,730/yr South Dakota 61.8% vs this role
- Driver Sales Workers $46,950/yr South Dakota 63.2% vs this role
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
What is the average Air Traffic Controllers salary in South Dakota?
The average Air Traffic Controllers salary in South Dakota is $127,446 per year (median $128,830), which is 13.0% below the national average of $146,490.
How does South Dakota rank for Air Traffic Controllers pay?
South Dakota ranks 33rd out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is Virginia ($175,740/yr).
How much do entry-level Air Traffic Controllers make in South Dakota?
The lowest-paid 10% of Air Traffic Controllers in South Dakota earn about $74,193 per year and the 25th percentile is $98,064.
How much do Air Traffic Controllers make per hour in South Dakota?
About $61.27 per hour, based on the $127,446 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.
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