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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Logging Equipment Operator in South Dakota is $41,553 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Logging Equipment Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Logging Equipment Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $45,679 | $3,807 | $878 | $22 |
| Average | $41,553 | $3,463 | $799 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,116 | $3,093 | $714 | $18 |
RMS Drainage & Excavation - Tea, SD
Pollman Excavation Inc. - Wakonda, SD
Commercial Asphalt by Spencer Quarries Incorporated - Mitchell, SD
PKG Contracting, Inc. - Aberdeen, SD
A Logging Equipment 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 Logging Equipment 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 Logging Equipment Operator | $37,667 |
| Logging E... Level Logging Equipment Operator | $41,861 |
| Machine O... Level Logging Equipment Operator | $47,497 |
| Machine O... Level Logging Equipment Operator | $51,038 |
| Machine O... Level Logging Equipment Operator | $74,153 |
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 Logging Equipment 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 Logging Equipment 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, Logging Equipment Operator positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Logging Equipment Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media | $54,019 | $26.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $51,941 | $25.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $49,863 | $24.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $47,786 | $23.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $45,708 | $22.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Logging Equipment 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 | $45,679 | $3,807 | $878 | $22 |
| Average | $41,553 | $3,463 | $799 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,116 | $3,093 | $714 | $18 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Logging Equipment Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
MasTec
Rapid City, SD
MasTec | Rapid City, SD
Heavy Equipment Operator. MasTec Industrial, along with sister companies Casey Industrial and Phoenix Industrial, has served the power industry since 1947.... more
6 Days Ago
GCC
Big Stone City, SD
GCC | Big Stone City, SD
Job Title. What you will do. Under general supervision of Plant Manager, operates various equipment including water trucks, graders, front-end loaders and ... more
10 Days Ago
Red Rock Construction
Sioux Falls, SD
Red Rock Construction | Sioux Falls, SD
Job Description. Job Description. Join Our Team at Red Rock Construction. We are seeking an experienced heavy equipment operator to join our team at Red Ro... more
10 Days Ago
L. G. Everist, Inc.
Sioux Falls, SD
L. G. Everist, Inc. | Sioux Falls, SD
Equipment Operator Grading Crew. Job Summary: This position will operate various asphalt and grading equipment in a safe and environmentally proficient man... more
10 Days Ago
Astec Industries
Yankton, SD
Astec Industries | Yankton, SD
Job Description. Job Description. BUILT TO CONNECT. Astec is a global, environmentally focused infrastructure and manufacturing company of asphalt road bui... more
8 Days Ago
ASTEC
Yankton, SD
ASTEC | Yankton, SD
Built To Connect. Astec is a global, environmentally focused infrastructure and manufacturing company of asphalt road building and aggregate processing. Ou... more
10 Days Ago
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