📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Airline Pilot Salary in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota · 13.0% below national average · Very High Demand

Average
$184,257
per year
Median
$177,471
per year
Hourly
$88.59
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$73,699
25th Percentile — Junior$101,995
50th Percentile — Median$177,471
75th Percentile — Senior$165,660
90th Percentile — Top Earners$191,456
💡 Top-earning Airline Pilots in South Dakota make up to $191,456 per year. The job market in South Dakota is rated moderate, with key industries including Agriculture, Finance, Tourism.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$147.9k
2021
$154.5k
2022
$161.5k
2023
$168.7k
2024
$176.3k
2025
$184.3k
2026
📈 Airline Pilot salaries in South Dakota have followed the national trend with 4.5% annual growth. The strong demand in South Dakota's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Airline Pilot Salary by City in South Dakota
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $184,257 +0% Very High
🔍
Airline Pilot Job Market in South Dakota
Key factors affecting compensation

South Dakota is home to a moderate job market for Airline Pilots. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Finance, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $184,257 per year, South Dakota's Airline Pilot 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 $73,699–$101,995, while experienced Airline Pilots can command $165,660–$191,456.

Looking ahead, the Airline Pilot profession in South Dakota is projected to grow at 4.5% 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 Airline Pilot salary in South Dakota is $184,257 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $211,790.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Airline Pilots 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 Airline Pilot employment.
  • At $184,257/year, South Dakota Airline Pilot salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $211,790/year.