As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Heavy Machinery Operator in South Dakota is $71,830 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Heavy Machinery Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Heavy Machinery Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $82,423 | $6,869 | $1,585 | $40 |
| Average | $71,830 | $5,986 | $1,381 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,339 | $5,362 | $1,237 | $31 |
NW Construction - Mission, SD
NW Construction - Mission, SD
Ampacity - Rapid City, SD
Meade County - Sturgis, SD
A Heavy Machinery 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.
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 Heavy Machinery 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 Heavy Machinery Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Heavy Machinery Operator positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Heavy Machinery Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $86,195 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $86,195 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $86,195 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $86,195 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $86,195 | $41.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Heavy Machinery 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 | $82,423 | $6,869 | $1,585 | $40 |
| Average | $71,830 | $5,986 | $1,381 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,339 | $5,362 | $1,237 | $31 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Heavy Machinery Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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