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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Knuckle Boom Operator in South Dakota is $46,001 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Knuckle Boom Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Knuckle Boom Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $50,610 | $4,217 | $973 | $24 |
| Average | $46,001 | $3,833 | $885 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,784 | $3,399 | $784 | $20 |
Siouxland Community Health Center - SIOUX CITY, IA
TSG - The Sheridan Group - HARTFORD, VT
TSG - The Sheridan Group - GRANTHAM, NH
TSG - The Sheridan Group - WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, VT
A Knuckle Boom 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 Knuckle Boom 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Knuckle Boom Operator | $44,769 |
| Intermediate Level Knuckle Boom Operator | $45,639 |
| Senior Level Knuckle Boom Operator | $47,608 |
| Specialist Level Knuckle Boom Operator | $48,779 |
| Expert Level Knuckle Boom Operator | $48,926 |
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 Knuckle Boom 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 Knuckle Boom Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Knuckle Boom Operator positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Knuckle Boom Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $64,401 | $31.0 | 40% |
| Energy & Utilities | $59,801 | $29.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $57,501 | $28.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $52,901 | $25.0 | 15% |
| MFG Durable | $50,601 | $24.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Knuckle Boom 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 | $50,610 | $4,217 | $973 | $24 |
| Average | $46,001 | $3,833 | $885 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,784 | $3,399 | $784 | $20 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Knuckle Boom Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
TSG - The Sheridan Group
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RUSSTOWN, VT
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NORTH THETFORD, VT
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