Careers · Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators · South Dakota
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in South Dakota
Operating engineers operate heavy construction equipment like bulldozers, motor graders, excavators, and front-end loaders to move earth, grade land, and prepare sites for building. They work on construction sites, road projects, and infrastructure developments, often outdoors in varying weather conditions. In South Dakota the median pay is $59,500 a year, 1% below the national median of $59,850.
$59,500median pay in South Dakota, per year
$50,690–$63,460middle half earn
2,050employed in South Dakota
$59,850U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against operating engineers and other construction equipment operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against operating engineers and other construction equipment operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Who is hiring in South Dakota
8open roles like this on employer career sites, 1 in South Dakota or remote
4employers hiring
5posted in the last 7 days
CA · MA · Remotewhere most openings are
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceMonitoringActive ListeningTroubleshootingTime ManagementReading Comprehension
Knowledge areas
MechanicalEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityMathematics (knowledge)Administration and ManagementCustomer and Personal Service
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.
Licenses and training in South Dakota
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay in other states
Hawaii · $115,860Illinois · $97,740New Jersey · $89,660California · $87,160Washington · $81,700New York · $80,980Indiana · $79,580Minnesota · $79,130Connecticut · $78,750Alaska · $77,810
Related occupations
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment OperatorsPile Driver OperatorsBoilermakersBrickmasons and BlockmasonsStonemasonsCarpentersCarpet InstallersFloor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against operating engineers and other construction equipment operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against operating engineers and other construction equipment operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-2073.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, South Dakota, annual.