Civil Engineer Salary in South Dakota
Based on 1K+ workers in South Dakota
Median Annual Salary (SD)
$98,700
$47.45/hr
vs National Average
$99,151
-0.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$70K – $127K
1K employed in South Dakota
Discover the earning potential for a Civil Engineer salary in South Dakota. The median annual salary for Civil Engineers in the state is $98,700, with the majority earning between $70,050 and $127,090. This figure aligns precisely with the national average, indicating no significant disparity in compensation for this vital profession across the country.
Several factors influence the Civil Engineer salary in South Dakota. Experience level is paramount, with entry-level positions offering less than those held by seasoned professionals. Additionally, the specific industry within civil engineering, such as transportation or structural, and the size and type of employer, whether a private firm or a government agency, all contribute to salary variations.
Salary Distribution — Civil Engineer in South Dakota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $70,050 |
| 25th percentile | $80,560 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $98,700 |
| 75th percentile | $115,180 |
| 90th percentile | $127,090 |
Top-Paying Industries for Civil Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Civil Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Civil Engineers in South Dakota tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $157,120 | 960 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $123,980 | 3K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $116,320 | 1K |
| Utilities | $112,820 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $109,740 | 600 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Civil Engineer in South Dakota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Dakota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $81,480 |
| 2023 | $85,410 |
| 2024 | $95,110 |
| 2025 | $98,700 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,426 |
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 | $81,480 | $86,235 |
| 2023 | $85,410 | $90,685 |
| 2024 | $95,110 | $96,900 |
| 2025 | $98,700 | $99,151 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,426 | $102,894 |
Civil Engineer Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $80,560 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $98,700 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $115,180 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $127,090 |
Civil Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Civil Engineer Salaries in South Dakota
How other high-demand occupations in South Dakota compare to Civil Engineer ($98,700 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Civil Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in SD | $164,330 | +66.5% | $79.00/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in SD | $98,980 | +0.3% | $47.59/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in SD | $98,890 | +0.2% | $47.54/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in SD | $93,200 | -5.6% | $44.81/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in SD | $88,380 | -10.5% | $42.49/hr |
| Financial Analyst in SD | $99,150 | +0.5% | $47.67/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in SD | $99,790 | +1.1% | $47.98/hr |
| Software Developer in SD | $96,310 | -2.4% | $46.30/hr |
| Data Scientist in SD | $96,150 | -2.6% | $46.23/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in SD | $101,400 | +2.7% | $48.75/hr |
| Lawyer in SD | $102,040 | +3.4% | $49.06/hr |
| Optometrist in SD | $102,320 | +3.7% | $49.19/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Civil Engineer in South Dakota?
- The median salary for Civil Engineers in South Dakota is $98,700 per year, which is about $47 per hour. This is slightly below the national average, by 0.5%.
How much do Civil Engineers in South Dakota typically earn?
- The typical salary range for Civil Engineers in South Dakota falls between $70,050 and $127,090 annually. The median income is $98,700 per year.
Is the salary for Civil Engineers in South Dakota competitive?
- The median Civil Engineer salary in South Dakota is $98,700 per year, which is 0.5% less than the national median. This suggests the market is highly competitive.
How many Civil Engineers are employed in South Dakota?
- There are approximately 1,440 Civil Engineers employed in South Dakota. The median annual salary for these professionals is $98,700.