Air Traffic Controller Salary in South Dakota
Based on 190+ workers in South Dakota
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (SD)
$37,860
$18.20/hr
vs National Average
$56,947
-33.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$30K – $50K
190 employed in South Dakota
Salary Distribution — Air Traffic Controller in South Dakota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $30,460 |
| 25th percentile | $31,200 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $37,860 |
| 75th percentile | $46,910 |
| 90th percentile | $49,560 |
Top-Paying Industries for Air Traffic Controller (U.S.)
Which industries pay Air Traffic Controllers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Air Traffic Controllers in South Dakota tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $103,820 | — |
| Manufacturing | $88,420 | 150 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $70,590 | 160 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,850 | 4K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $49,820 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Air Traffic Controller in South Dakota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Dakota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $36,800 |
| 2023 | $39,190 |
| 2024 | $44,860 |
| 2025 | $37,860 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,860 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Dakota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $36,800 | $53,742 |
| 2023 | $39,190 | $55,720 |
| 2024 | $44,860 | $55,556 |
| 2025 | $37,860 | $56,947 |
| 2026 (projected) | $37,860 | $56,947 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $31,200 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $37,860 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $46,910 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $49,560 |
Air Traffic Controller Salary in Other States
Related Air Traffic Controller Salaries in South Dakota
How other high-demand occupations in South Dakota compare to Air Traffic Controller ($37,860 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Air Traffic Controller | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Supervisor in SD | $77,690 | +105.2% | $37.35/hr |
| Electrician in SD | $61,390 | +62.2% | $29.51/hr |
| Plumber in SD | $51,620 | +36.3% | $24.82/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in SD | $51,160 | +35.1% | $24.60/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in SD | $48,100 | +27.0% | $23.13/hr |
| Construction Laborer in SD | $45,710 | +20.7% | $21.98/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in SD | $37,740 | -0.3% | $18.14/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in SD | $37,650 | -0.6% | $18.10/hr |
| Receptionist in SD | $38,280 | +1.1% | $18.40/hr |
| Security Guard in SD | $37,150 | -1.9% | $17.86/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in SD | $38,800 | +2.5% | $18.65/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in SD | $36,220 | -4.3% | $17.41/hr |