Mechanical Drafters Salary in South Dakota
The median pay for a mechanical drafters in South Dakota is $51,270/year ($24.65/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $41K at the entry level to $68K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. This is an aggregate across all of South Dakota. BLS does not publish metro-level data for this occupation in this state.
So what does $51K get you in South Dakota?
About mechanical drafters
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, South Dakota
Entry-level mechanical drafters (10th percentile) start around $41K. Mid-career wages sit at $51K. Top earners bring in $68K or more, a $27K spread from bottom to top.
Compare to other states
Track mechanical drafters salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when South Dakota numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do mechanical drafters make in South Dakota?
The median is $51,270 a year, that works out to about $25 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $40,770, and experienced mechanical drafters can clear $67,600. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $51K enough to live in South Dakota?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,603/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,017/month, which eats 28.2% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a mechanical drafters salary go in South Dakota?
South Dakota has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median mechanical drafters salary is worth about $57,036 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do mechanical drafters get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.