📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Aircraft Cargo Handler Salary in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota · 13.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$38,524
per year
Median
$35,914
per year
Hourly
$18.52
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$27,040
25th Percentile — Junior$33,304
50th Percentile — Median$35,914
75th Percentile — Senior$47,398
90th Percentile — Top Earners$52,250
💡 Top-earning Aircraft Cargo Handlers in South Dakota make up to $52,250 per year. The job market in South Dakota is rated moderate, with key industries including Agriculture, Finance, Tourism.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$34.0k
2021
$34.9k
2022
$35.8k
2023
$36.7k
2024
$37.6k
2025
$38.5k
2026
📈 Aircraft Cargo Handler salaries in South Dakota have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in South Dakota's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Aircraft Cargo Handler Salary by City in South Dakota
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $38,524 +0% High
🔍
Aircraft Cargo Handler Job Market in South Dakota
Key factors affecting compensation

South Dakota is home to a moderate job market for Aircraft Cargo Handlers. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Finance, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $38,524 per year, South Dakota's Aircraft Cargo Handler salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in South Dakota (index: 0.87) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in South Dakota can expect to earn $27,040–$33,304, while experienced Aircraft Cargo Handlers can command $47,398–$52,250.

Looking ahead, the Aircraft Cargo Handler profession in South Dakota is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Agriculture continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Aircraft Cargo Handler salary in South Dakota is $38,524 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $44,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Aircraft Cargo Handlers the highest wages in South Dakota due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • South Dakota has a moderate job market with major industries in Agriculture, Finance, Tourism. Opportunities exist in for Aircraft Cargo Handler employment.
  • At $38,524/year, South Dakota Aircraft Cargo Handler salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $44,280/year.