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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Machine Operator in South Dakota is $41,003 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Machine Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $45,354 | $3,779 | $872 | $22 |
| Average | $41,003 | $3,417 | $789 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,030 | $3,086 | $712 | $18 |
Solventum - Brookings, SD
Global Harvest Foods - Roscoe, SD
Aerotek - Lennox, SD
Aerotek - Sioux Falls, SD
A Machine Operator'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 Machine Operator'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 |
|---|---|
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $36,607 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $40,683 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $46,161 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $49,602 |
| Machine O... Level Machine Operator | $72,066 |
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 Machine Operators. 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 Machine Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Media and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Machine Operator positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media | $53,304 | $26.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $51,254 | $25.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $49,203 | $24.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $47,153 | $23.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $45,103 | $22.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Machine Operator'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 | $45,354 | $3,779 | $872 | $22 |
| Average | $41,003 | $3,417 | $789 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,030 | $3,086 | $712 | $18 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Machine Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Buckeye Corrugated, Inc.
Sioux Falls, SD
Buckeye Corrugated, Inc. | Sioux Falls, SD
Job Opportunity At BCI Sioux Falls. BCI Sioux Falls is looking for a qualified teammate who values taking pride in their work, enjoys a team environment, a... more
6 Days Ago
IMKO Workforce Solutions
Lennox, SD
IMKO Workforce Solutions | Lennox, SD
Machine Operator. Lennox, SD 57039. Employment Type: Contract. Job Number: KF311345716. Job Description. We are seeking a dependable Machine Operator to jo... more
6 Days Ago
Presidio Components
Sioux Falls, SD
Presidio Components | Sioux Falls, SD
Job Description. Job Description. A manufacturing machine operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining machinery in manufacturing pro... more
7 Days Ago
Leeco Steel
Brandon, SD
Leeco Steel | Brandon, SD
Warehouse Worker. Leeco Steel is a leading supplier of steel plate from the premier mills worldwide. Due to our continued growth we are seeking an addition... more
8 Days Ago
Kelly Services
Rapid City, SD
Kelly Services | Rapid City, SD
For those who want to keep growing, learning, and evolving.We at Kelly hear you, and we're here for you. We're seeking a Machine Operator - 2nd Shift to wo... more
5 Days Ago
Berry Global, Inc
Sioux Falls, SD
Berry Global, Inc | Sioux Falls, SD
Overview:Machine Operator Positon Would you like to work for a fun, fast-paced, growing manufacturing company. Then, come join the Berry Family. We have a ... more
5 Days Ago
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