BLS OEWS 2024 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
National mean: $58,240/year · South Dakota: $57,550/year · Difference: -$690/year
| Metric | South Dakota | National |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Annual Wage | $57,550 | $58,240 |
| Mean Hourly Wage | $27.67 | $28.00 |
| Median Annual Wage | $56,880 | $57,440 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $27.35 | $27.62 |
| Drivers Employed | 10.2K | 2,070K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
The average (mean) truck driver salary in South Dakota is $57,550 per year ($27.67/hr) according to BLS OEWS 2024 data (SOC 53-3032). The median is $56,880/year. Approximately 10.2 thousand drivers work in this category in South Dakota.
South Dakota ranks #29 out of 50 states. The national mean is $58,240/year; South Dakota is $690 lower (-1.2%).
Pay depends on freight volume, proximity to major distribution hubs and ports, cost of living, employer type (private fleet vs. for-hire), experience, CDL endorsements, and route type (OTR vs. regional vs. local). Specialized freight — hazmat, reefer, flatbed, oversized — typically pays a premium over dry van rates in any state.