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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Project Engineer in South Dakota is $142,244 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.
However, a Lead Project Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Project Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $144,145 | $12,012 | $2,772 | $69 |
| Average | $142,244 | $11,854 | $2,735 | $68 |
| 25th Percentile | $136,189 | $11,349 | $2,619 | $65 |
Talent Edge Recruiting - Rapid City, SD
Eagle Construction - Sioux Falls, SD
TGG Accounting - Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD
Bryan Construction Inc - Rapid City, SD
A Lead Project Engineer'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 Lead Project Engineer'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 |
|---|---|
| Project E... Level Lead Project Engineer | $105,869 |
| Project E... Level Lead Project Engineer | $121,099 |
| Lead Proj... Level Lead Project Engineer | $142,104 |
| Project E... Level Lead Project Engineer | $74,804 |
| Project E... Level Lead Project Engineer | $106,032 |
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 Lead Project Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Lead Project Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 53% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 23% above the average. In contrast, Lead Project Engineer positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Project Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $174,960 | $84.0 | 23% |
| Internet | $172,115 | $83.0 | 21% |
| Software & Networking | $172,115 | $83.0 | 21% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $167,847 | $81.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $162,158 | $78.0 | 14% |
Understanding how a Lead Project Engineer'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $144,145 | $12,012 | $2,772 | $69 |
| Average | $142,244 | $11,854 | $2,735 | $68 |
| 25th Percentile | $136,189 | $11,349 | $2,619 | $65 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Project Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Coeur Mining
Lead, SD
Coeur Mining | Lead, SD
Job Description. Job Description. Wharf. We Pursue a Higher Standard. We are a U.S.-based, well-diversified, growing precious metals producer with seven wh... more
5 Days Ago
Barminco Mining Services USA LLC
Rapid City, SD
Barminco Mining Services USA LLC | Rapid City, SD
Job Description. Job Description. Who We Are. Barminco forms part of the Perenti Group, a diversified global mining services company. Barminco can offer yo... more
5 Days Ago
JEO Consulting Group
Rapid City, SD
JEO Consulting Group | Rapid City, SD
Job Description. Job Description. Company Overview. JEO is not your typical engineering firm. We have a welcoming, fun, and laid-back culture that encourag... more
8 Days Ago
HR Green
Sioux Falls, SD
HR Green | Sioux Falls, SD
Job Description. Job Description. Join our team. Our mission is BUILDING COMMUNITIES. IMPROVING LIVES. With a history spanning over 110 years, HR Green has... more
5 Days Ago
HR Green
Sioux Falls, SD
HR Green | Sioux Falls, SD
Job Description. Job Description. Join our team. Our mission is BUILDING COMMUNITIES. IMPROVING LIVES. With a history spanning over 110 years, HR Green has... more
5 Days Ago
Enterprise Engineering Inc
Sioux Falls, SD
Enterprise Engineering Inc | Sioux Falls, SD
Job Description. Job Description. Description. This position has been posted for multiple office locations. Only hiring one engineer for one office locatio... more
6 Days Ago
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