Estimate · based on BLS national data

Petroleum Engineers in South Dakota

$136,720 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$65.73 per hour

▼ 13.0% below U.S. average38th of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: Estimate (BLS national × cost of living) Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$136,720per year
Median$126,072per year
Hourly$65.73per hour
10th – 90th percentile$78,325 – $202,661per year

Petroleum Engineers Pay Range in South Dakota

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$78,325
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$108,211
  • 50th Percentile — Median$126,072
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$175,455
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$202,661

Half of Petroleum Engineers in South Dakota earn more than $126,072. The top 10% make $202,661 or more, while entry-level workers start around $78,325.

Petroleum Engineers in South Dakota: Key Facts

Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living

  • South Dakota ranks 38th of 51 states for Petroleum Engineers pay, at $136,720 per year (13.0% below the U.S. average of $157,150).
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $78,325; the top 10% earn over $202,661.
  • Hourly equivalent: $65.73 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is Hawaii at $243,582.
  • Among engineering jobs in South Dakota, Aerospace Engineers pays the most ($123,592).

Petroleum Engineers 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. Petroleum Engineers here earn $136,720 on average, placing the state 38th nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 0.87 (U.S. = 1.00), a South Dakota salary of $136,720 is roughly equivalent to $157,149 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Tennessee ($138,292), Louisiana ($138,270), Alabama ($136,720) are the closest alternatives for Petroleum Engineers weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

Related career salary benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Petroleum Engineers salary in South Dakota?

The average Petroleum Engineers salary in South Dakota is $136,720 per year (median $126,072), which is 13.0% below the national average of $157,150.

How does South Dakota rank for Petroleum Engineers pay?

South Dakota ranks 38th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is Hawaii ($243,582/yr).

How much do entry-level Petroleum Engineers make in South Dakota?

The lowest-paid 10% of Petroleum Engineers in South Dakota earn about $78,325 per year and the 25th percentile is $108,211.

How much do Petroleum Engineers make per hour in South Dakota?

About $65.73 per hour, based on the $136,720 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

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