As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Plant Controller in South Dakota is $106,679 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Plant Controller's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Plant Controller's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Plant Controller's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Plant Controller | $102,730 |
| Intermediate Level Plant Controller | $103,204 |
| Senior Level Plant Controller | $104,784 |
| Specialist Level Plant Controller | $106,679 |
| Expert Level Plant Controller | $109,121 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Plant Controllers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Plant Controller salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $119,048. While startup companies pay approximate $100,764.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $100,764 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $106,545 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $114,988 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $119,048 |
For Plant Controller roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Plant Controller positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Plant Controller as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $117,347 | $56.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $117,347 | $56.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $117,347 | $56.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $117,347 | $56.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $117,347 | $56.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Plant Controller's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026For a Plant Controller, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Accounting Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $145,145 - a projected growth of 36% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Plant Controller job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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