Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator salary in South Dakota
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators in South Dakota earn a median of $50,750 a year ($24.40 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,420 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,910 for the lowest-paid 10% to $64,720 for the top 10%. That is about the same as the national median of $50,690. South Dakota ranks 24th of 48 states for computer numerically controlled tool operators pay. There are 3.1 computer numerically controlled tool operators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.9× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $52,790, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for computer numerically controlled tool operators in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,910 | $19.19 |
| 25th percentile | $46,220 | $22.22 |
| Median | $50,750 | $24.40 |
| 75th percentile | $60,080 | $28.89 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $64,720 | $31.12 |
| Average (mean) | $52,790 | $25.38 |
Half of computer numerically controlled tool operators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,229.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,114.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,951.92 |
| Weekly | $975.96 |
| Hourly | $24.40 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator salary in cities in South Dakota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $52,220 | 460 |
| Rapid City, SD | $52,190 | 70 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $49,470 | 170 |
Highest-paying states for computer numerically controlled tool operators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $107,920 |
| Massachusetts | $61,630 |
| North Dakota | $60,250 |
| Connecticut | $59,840 |
| New Hampshire | $59,730 |
| Maine | $59,660 |
| Vermont | $57,500 |
| Rhode Island | $57,390 |
| Minnesota | $56,780 |
| Oregon | $56,670 |
See Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator pay in every state.
Related jobs in South Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $47,980 | $23.07 |
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $47,240 | $22.71 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $43,860 | $21.09 |
| Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $43,240 | $20.79 |
| Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $49,000 | $23.56 |
| Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $44,980 | $21.63 |
| Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $50,780 | $24.41 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $48,830 | $23.48 |
| Production Workers, All Other | $44,910 | $21.59 |
| Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $46,910 | $22.55 |
| Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $48,330 | $23.24 |
| Dental Laboratory Technician | $48,370 | $23.25 |
| Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers | $45,110 | $21.69 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmer | $66,650 | $32.04 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 51-9161. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a computer numerically controlled tool operator make in South Dakota?
The median salary for computer numerically controlled tool operators in South Dakota is $50,750 a year, or $24.40 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,910 for the lowest-paid 10% to $64,720 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid computer numerically controlled tool operators make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of computer numerically controlled tool operators in South Dakota earn at least $64,720 a year. The top 25% earn $60,080 or more.
What is the starting pay for computer numerically controlled tool operators in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,910 a year, and a quarter of computer numerically controlled tool operators earn $46,220 or less.
How many computer numerically controlled tool operators work in South Dakota?
About 1,420 computer numerically controlled tool operators are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.