📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Locomotive Engineers Salary in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota · 13.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$73,498
per year
Median
$70,714
per year
Hourly
$35.34
per hour
📅 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$49,973
25th Percentile — Junior$60,970
50th Percentile — Median$70,714
75th Percentile — Senior$85,713
90th Percentile — Top Earners$94,031
💡 Top-earning Locomotive Engineerss in South Dakota make up to $94,031 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
$65.0k
2021
$66.6k
2022
$68.2k
2023
$70.0k
2024
$71.7k
2025
$73.5k
2026
📈 Locomotive Engineers salaries in South Dakota have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong presence in South Dakota's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Locomotive Engineers Salary by City in South Dakota
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $73,498 +0% Medium
🔍
Locomotive Engineers Job Market in South Dakota
Key factors affecting compensation

South Dakota is home to a moderate job market for Locomotive Engineerss. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Finance, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $73,498 per year, South Dakota's Locomotive Engineers 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 $49,973–$60,970, while experienced Locomotive Engineerss can command $85,713–$94,031.

Looking ahead, the Locomotive Engineers 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 Locomotive Engineers salary in South Dakota is $73,498 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $84,480.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Locomotive Engineerss 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 Locomotive Engineers employment.
  • At $73,498/year, South Dakota Locomotive Engineers salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $84,480/year.