📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Nuclear Engineer Salary in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota · 13.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$106,558
per year
Median
$104,731
per year
Hourly
$51.23
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$69,773
25th Percentile — Junior$89,118
50th Percentile — Median$104,731
75th Percentile — Senior$132,645
90th Percentile — Top Earners$148,730
💡 Top-earning Nuclear Engineers in South Dakota make up to $148,730 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
$98.9k
2021
$100.4k
2022
$101.9k
2023
$103.4k
2024
$105.0k
2025
$106.6k
2026
📈 Nuclear Engineer salaries in South Dakota have followed the national trend with 1.5% annual growth. The strong presence in South Dakota's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Nuclear Engineer Salary by City in South Dakota
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $106,558 +0% Medium
🔍
Nuclear Engineer Job Market in South Dakota
Key factors affecting compensation

South Dakota is home to a moderate job market for Nuclear Engineers. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Finance, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $106,558 per year, South Dakota's Nuclear Engineer 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 $69,773–$89,118, while experienced Nuclear Engineers can command $132,645–$148,730.

Looking ahead, the Nuclear Engineer profession in South Dakota is projected to grow at 1.5% 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 Nuclear Engineer salary in South Dakota is $106,558 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $122,480.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Nuclear Engineers 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 Nuclear Engineer employment.
  • At $106,558/year, South Dakota Nuclear Engineer salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $122,480/year.