Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians salary in South Dakota
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians in South Dakota earn a median of $53,670 a year ($25.80 an hour), based on BLS data for 110 workers.
Pay ranges from $45,150 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,980 for the top 10%. That is 28% lower than the national median of $74,510. South Dakota ranks 43rd of 44 states for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians pay. There are 0.24 mechanical engineering technologists and technicians per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $57,580, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $45,150 | $21.71 |
| 25th percentile | $48,990 | $23.55 |
| Median | $53,670 | $25.80 |
| 75th percentile | $64,900 | $31.20 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $77,980 | $37.49 |
| Average (mean) | $57,580 | $27.68 |
Half of mechanical engineering technologists and technicians 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 | $4,472.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,236.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,064.23 |
| Weekly | $1,032.12 |
| Hourly | $25.80 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Highest-paying states for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Louisiana | $102,800 |
| New Mexico | $97,560 |
| Missouri | $92,150 |
| California | $87,390 |
| Connecticut | $82,660 |
| Rhode Island | $81,600 |
| Oregon | $80,840 |
| Nebraska | $80,050 |
| Washington | $79,410 |
| Maryland | $79,180 |
See Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians pay in every state.
Related jobs in South Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $52,470 | $25.23 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $60,880 | $29.27 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $54,570 | $26.24 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $58,340 | $28.05 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $50,050 | $24.06 |
| Mechanical Drafter | $52,610 | $25.29 |
| Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $50,840 | $24.44 |
| Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $53,960 | $25.94 |
| Civil Engineer | $98,700 | $47.45 |
| Industrial Engineer | $93,200 | $44.81 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $88,380 | $42.49 |
| Electrical Engineer | $98,980 | $47.59 |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | $84,150 | $40.46 |
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | $102,500 | $49.28 |
More: Architecture and Engineering Occupations · all salaries in South Dakota
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 17-3027. 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 mechanical engineering technologists and technicians make in South Dakota?
The median salary for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians in South Dakota is $53,670 a year, or $25.80 an hour. Pay ranges from $45,150 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,980 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid mechanical engineering technologists and technicians make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of mechanical engineering technologists and technicians in South Dakota earn at least $77,980 a year. The top 25% earn $64,900 or more.
What is the starting pay for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $45,150 a year, and a quarter of mechanical engineering technologists and technicians earn $48,990 or less.
How many mechanical engineering technologists and technicians work in South Dakota?
About 110 mechanical engineering technologists and technicians are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.