Captains Mates and Pilots of Water Vessels Pay Range in South Dakota
Pay distribution across experience levels
- 10th Percentile — Entry Level$46,615
- 25th Percentile — Junior$68,056
- 50th Percentile — Median$80,440
- 75th Percentile — Senior$116,296
- 90th Percentile — Top Earners$136,580
Half of Captains Mates and Pilots of Water Vessels in South Dakota earn more than $80,440. The top 10% make $136,580 or more, while entry-level workers start around $46,615.
Captains Mates and Pilots of Water Vessels in South Dakota: Key Facts
Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living
- South Dakota ranks 25th of 51 states for Captains Mates and Pilots of Water Vessels pay, at $90,236 per year (13.0% below the U.S. average of $103,720).
- Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $46,615; the top 10% earn over $136,580.
- Hourly equivalent: $43.38 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
- The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $157,654.
- Among transportation jobs in South Dakota, Airline Pilots Copilots and Flight Engineers pays the most ($251,126).
Captains Mates and Pilots of Water Vessels 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. Captains Mates and Pilots of Water Vessels here earn $90,236 on average, placing the state 25th nationally.
With a cost-of-living index of 0.87 (U.S. = 1.00), a South Dakota salary of $90,236 is roughly equivalent to $103,720 at the national average cost of living.
Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Virginia ($92,850), Iowa ($91,380), Nebraska ($91,274) are the closest alternatives for Captains Mates and Pilots of Water Vessels 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 +178.3% vs this role
- Air Traffic Controllers $127,446/yr South Dakota +41.2% vs this role
- Commercial Pilots $94,070/yr South Dakota +4.2% vs this role
- Transportation Inspectors $77,050/yr South Dakota 14.6% vs this role
- Locomotive Engineers $70,010/yr South Dakota 22.4% vs this role
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $58,550/yr South Dakota 35.1% vs this role
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $48,730/yr South Dakota 46.0% vs this role
- Driver Sales Workers $46,950/yr South Dakota 48.0% vs this role
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
What is the average Captains Mates and Pilots of Water Vessels salary in South Dakota?
The average Captains Mates and Pilots of Water Vessels salary in South Dakota is $90,236 per year (median $80,440), which is 13.0% below the national average of $103,720.
How does South Dakota rank for Captains Mates and Pilots of Water Vessels pay?
South Dakota ranks 25th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia ($157,654/yr).
How much do entry-level Captains Mates and Pilots of Water Vessels make in South Dakota?
The lowest-paid 10% of Captains Mates and Pilots of Water Vessels in South Dakota earn about $46,615 per year and the 25th percentile is $68,056.
How much do Captains Mates and Pilots of Water Vessels make per hour in South Dakota?
About $43.38 per hour, based on the $90,236 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.
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