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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Heavy Machine Operator in South Dakota is $41,934 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Heavy Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Heavy Machine Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $46,099 | $3,842 | $887 | $22 |
| Average | $41,934 | $3,495 | $806 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,457 | $3,121 | $720 | $18 |
IMKO Workforce Solutions - Sioux Falls, SD
Solventum - Brookings, SD
Global Harvest Foods - Roscoe, SD
Amcor - Sioux Falls, SD
A Heavy 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 Heavy 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 Heavy Machine Operator | $38,013 |
| Heavy Mac... Level Heavy Machine Operator | $42,245 |
| Machine O... Level Heavy Machine Operator | $47,933 |
| Machine O... Level Heavy Machine Operator | $51,507 |
| Machine O... Level Heavy Machine Operator | $74,834 |
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 Heavy 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 Heavy 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, Heavy Machine Operator positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Heavy Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media | $54,514 | $26.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $52,418 | $25.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $50,321 | $24.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $48,224 | $23.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $46,128 | $22.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Heavy 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 | $46,099 | $3,842 | $887 | $22 |
| Average | $41,934 | $3,495 | $806 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,457 | $3,121 | $720 | $18 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Heavy Machine Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Aerotek
Sioux Falls, SD
Aerotek | Sioux Falls, SD
Machine Operator. Start ASAP Weekly Pay. We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Machine Operator to join our team in Sioux Falls. You will be respo... more
10 Days Ago
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
10 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
10 Days Ago
Mars, Incorporated
North Sioux City, SD
Mars, Incorporated | North Sioux City, SD
Mars, Incorporated - - Responsibilities: Maintain safety standards by using LOTO and confined space entry procedures when working in the primary area of th... more
6 Days Ago
CCL Industries
Sioux Falls, SD
CCL Industries | Sioux Falls, SD
Now Hiring: Machine Operators Finishing Department. Where finishing isn't the last step, it's the defining one. If you love the rhythm of production, the s... more
7 Days Ago
Amcor
Sioux Falls, SD
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