Mechanical Engineers Salary in South Dakota

Mechanical engineers in South Dakota earn the most in Rapid City (average $100,000 a year) and the least in Sioux Falls ($92,860), across the 2 South Dakota metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the mechanical engineers average at $95,080 and the median at $88,380 for 560 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $113,610.

Mechanical Engineers average salary by city in South Dakota

Rapid City$100,000
Sioux Falls$92,860

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Rapid City	$100,000	$94,180	$81,370	$79,180	89
Sioux Falls	$92,860	$85,740	$76,470	$74,157	91

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; South Dakota has no state income tax. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Mechanical Engineers salary in other states

Mechanical Engineers salary by city and state

More about pay in South Dakota

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 17-2141.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.