Truck Driver Salary in South Dakota
Based on 6K+ workers in South Dakota
Median Annual Salary (SD)
$58,690
$28.22/hr
vs National Average
$58,233
+0.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$42K – $79K
6K employed in South Dakota
The median Truck Driver salary in South Dakota is $58,690 per year, or approximately $28 per hour. This figure is slightly above the national average by 0.8%. Currently, there are an estimated 6,470 truck drivers employed in the state, reflecting a stable demand for these essential transportation professionals.
Several factors can influence a Truck Driver salary in South Dakota. Experience level, the type of cargo transported, the specific employer, and geographical location within the state all play a role in determining compensation. For instance, drivers operating within a higher range, between $41,590 and $78,610, may possess specialized skills or work for companies offering more competitive pay structures.
Salary Distribution — Truck Driver in South Dakota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,590 |
| 25th percentile | $48,370 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,690 |
| 75th percentile | $64,480 |
| 90th percentile | $78,610 |
Top-Paying Industries for Truck Driver (U.S.)
Which industries pay Truck Drivers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Truck Drivers in South Dakota tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $65,810 | 2K |
| Information | $63,030 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $61,740 | 10K |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $60,100 | 960 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $60,030 | 1.2M |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Truck Driver in South Dakota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Dakota) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,690 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,451 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,690 | $58,233 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,451 | $59,980 |
Truck Driver Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,370 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,690 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $64,480 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $78,610 |
Truck Driver Salary in Other States
Related Truck Driver Salaries in South Dakota
How other high-demand occupations in South Dakota compare to Truck Driver ($58,690 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Truck Driver | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stocker and Order Filler in SD | $37,650 | -35.8% | $18.10/hr |
| Paralegal in SD | $58,320 | -0.6% | $28.04/hr |
| Computer Programmer in SD | $58,240 | -0.8% | $28.00/hr |
| Title Examiner in SD | $59,300 | +1.0% | $28.51/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in SD | $57,910 | -1.3% | $27.84/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in SD | $60,110 | +2.4% | $28.90/hr |
| Producer and Director in SD | $60,260 | +2.7% | $28.97/hr |
| Editor in SD | $56,730 | -3.3% | $27.27/hr |
| Writer and Author in SD | $56,700 | -3.4% | $27.26/hr |
| Police Officer in SD | $60,740 | +3.5% | $29.20/hr |
| Electrician in SD | $61,390 | +4.6% | $29.51/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in SD | $61,570 | +4.9% | $29.60/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a truck driver make in South Dakota?
- The median annual salary for a truck driver in South Dakota is $58,690. Hourly, this equates to about $28, which is slightly higher than the national average.
What is the salary range for truck drivers in South Dakota?
- Most truck drivers in South Dakota can expect to earn between $41,590 and $78,610 annually. This range reflects variations in experience, employer, and specialization.
Is the truck driver salary in South Dakota above the national average?
- Yes, the median Truck Driver salary in South Dakota is 0.8% higher than the national average. This means drivers in the state are compensated slightly better than the typical US truck driver.
How many truck drivers are employed in South Dakota?
- There are approximately 6,470 truck drivers employed in South Dakota. This indicates a significant presence of this profession within the state's workforce.