Mechanical Engineer Salary in South Dakota: $92,161 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across South Dakota's 11 metropolitan areas, the average median mechanical engineer pay sits at $92,161/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 17-2141. Because South Dakota sits at BEA RPP 92.8 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $99,311 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Rapid City ($94,180), Watertown ($92,899), Yankton ($92,870).
In South Dakota, the projected average median salary for mechanical engineers in 2026 is $92,161, which is 14.0% lower than the national median of $107,150. The highest paying city in the state is Rapid City, with an expected salary of $96,930, while Sioux Falls is the lowest, with a projected salary of $88,244. This $8,686 salary gap can be attributed to regional demand, cost of living differences, and the concentration of industries that employ engineers, particularly in energy and manufacturing sectors. South Dakota has specific licensing requirements for engineers, which add a layer of complexity to practice in the state. The demand for mechanical engineers is driven by growth in sectors such as renewable energy, construction, and manufacturing, contributing to a projected annual growth rate of 2.92% in the field. The state employs approximately 375 mechanical engineers across its 11 metro areas, with other notable cities like Watertown, Yankton, Spearfish, and Mitchell also offering competitive salaries ranging from $94,654 to $95,612. Overall, while salaries are lower than the national average, the job market for mechanical engineers in South Dakota is stable, with a positive outlook for future employment opportunities.
South Dakota Mechanical Engineer Salary Range
Overall salary range in South Dakota: $65,179 (lowest entry-level) to $143,186 (highest top earner)
South Dakota vs National Average
South Dakota mechanical engineers earn 13.99% less than the national median ($-14,989/year difference).
South Dakota Mechanical Engineer Salary Distribution (2026)
Mechanical Engineer salaries in South Dakota range from $68,597 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $138,146 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $92,161. The South Dakota median is $14,989 below the US national median of $107,150. The average hourly rate is $44.31/hr. Approximately 375 mechanical engineers are employed across 11 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$76,218
2025 BLS Actual
$89,546
2026 Current Est.
$92,161
2019–2027 Growth
+24.4%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in South Dakota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,218 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,623 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,120 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,336 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,798 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,546 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,161 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,852 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Dakota metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.5% from $76,218 (2019) to $89,546 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,852 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,634 (24.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Dakota metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.92% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in South Dakota
Lowest Paying Cities in South Dakota
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $88,244 |
| Huron | $91,701 |
| Vermillion | $91,843 |
| Brookings | $91,865 |
| Pierre | $93,420 |
Best Value Cities for Mechanical Engineers in South Dakota
When adjusted for local cost of living, these South Dakota cities offer the most purchasing power for mechanical engineers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City | $96,930 | 89.16 | $108,715 |
| Watertown | $95,612 | 92.8 | $103,030 |
| Yankton | $95,582 | 92.8 | $102,998 |
| Spearfish | $95,342 | 92.8 | $102,739 |
| Mitchell | $94,654 | 92.8 | $101,998 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $68,597 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $92,161 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $138,146 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across South Dakota metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 11 Cities in South Dakota
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rapid City | $96,930 |
| 2 | Watertown | $95,612 |
| 3 | Yankton | $95,582 |
| 4 | Spearfish | $95,342 |
| 5 | Mitchell | $94,654 |
| 6 | Aberdeen | $94,496 |
| 7 | Pierre | $93,420 |
| 8 | Brookings | $91,865 |
| 9 | Vermillion | $91,843 |
| 10 | Huron | $91,701 |
| 11 | Sioux Falls | $88,244 |
More South Dakota Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore mechanical engineer hourly pay in South Dakota cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced mechanical engineers.
Explore More Mechanical Engineer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does South Dakota mechanical engineer pay compare to the national average?
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Which South Dakota city offers the best value for mechanical engineers?
Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 mechanical engineer compensation across South Dakota. State averages are employment-weighted across 11 metro areas — larger metro areas with more mechanical engineerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov