Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in South Dakota
In South Dakota, water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators earn $54,090 at the median — $26.01 an hour. The range runs from $43K at the entry level to $74K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across South Dakota. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $54K get you in South Dakota?
About water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, South Dakota
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators (10th percentile) start around $43K. Mid-career wages sit at $54K. Top earners bring in $74K or more, a $31K spread from bottom to top.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary by metro in South Dakota
2 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $59K | +9% | 160 |
| Rapid City | $50K | -8% | 100 |
Compare to other states
Track water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators 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 water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators make in South Dakota?
The median is $54,090 a year, that works out to about $26 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $43,000, and experienced water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators can clear $74,220. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $54K enough to live in South Dakota?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,792/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,017/month, which eats 26.8% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators 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 water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary is worth about $60,174 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators 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.