Truck Driver Salary in South Dakota 2026
The average truck driver salary in South Dakota is $1,976 per week as of 2026 — that's approximately $70,706 annually (or roughly $34.00 per hour based on a standard 40-hour workweek) for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in South Dakota, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in South Dakota?
South Dakota Salary Snapshot
South Dakota Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for South Dakota pulled together in one clear view, so you know exactly what to expect before you get behind the wheel. From entry-level to top earners, wages span $56.6k – $186.6k annually
$70,706
Average Annual Salary
$1,976
Average Weekly Pay
$34.00
Average Hourly Pay
$186.6k
Top Earners (High Range)
South Dakota Salary by City
Truck Driver Salary in South Dakota Cities
Pay varies across the Mount Rushmore State. Compare average earnings in South Dakota's key cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on regional market trends, agricultural hauling along the I-29 corridor, freight movement through the I-90 artery, and distribution networks serving the Northern Plains and beyond.
Brandon
$101,556/yr
Java
$100,828/yr
Rapid City
$76,492/yr
Pay by Role
South Dakota Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare South Dakota‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle – from long-haul interstate freight along I-90 and I-29 to agricultural hauling, regional distribution, and dedicated routes serving the Northern Plains.
OTR Driver
$75,600/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in the Northern Plains region.
View JobsRegional Driver
$71,300/yr avg
Multi-state routes within the Upper Midwest, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$64,400/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night serving South Dakota communities.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$74,400/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$77,700/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open‑deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill – critical for South Dakota's agricultural equipment, construction, and energy sectors.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$87,100/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists – essential for regional industrial, energy, and agricultural supply chains in the Northern Plains.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary in South Dakota?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in South Dakota and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Strong Earnings in South Dakota
South Dakota truck drivers earn an average of $1,976 per week ($70,706/year), which is 14% above the national average. Drivers with endorsements, dedicated routes, and strong safety records still have the opportunity to earn at the top of the range up to $186,600 annually. These figures are based on 1,500+ real Indeed salaries.
Experience
18%Route Type
24%CDL Endorsements
31%Miles Driven
21%Company
16%Driving Record
27%Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about truck driver pay in South Dakota, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in South Dakota?
The average truck driver in South Dakota earns around $70,706 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,976 per week or ~$34.00 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. South Dakota salaries are 14% above the national average, and drivers with specialized endorsements can earn well over the average — with top earners reaching up to $186,600 annually.
Which South Dakota city pays truck drivers the most?
Brandon ($101,556/year) leads the state as a growing suburb of Sioux Falls and a key I-29 logistics hub, followed closely by Java ($100,828) — a strong center for agricultural freight and grain transport in the northern plains — and Rapid City ($76,492), the gateway to the Black Hills and a key I-90 distribution hub. The highest‑paying companies in South Dakota specialize in dedicated OTR routes, agricultural hauling, flatbed freight serving the energy and construction sectors, and hazmat transport — especially around the Sioux Falls, Brandon, and Rapid City areas and along the I‑90 and I‑29 freight corridors.
Do local drivers make more than OTR drivers?
Generally no. OTR drivers tend to earn more overall because of higher mileage and longer routes, while local drivers trade some income for the benefit of being home every day. In South Dakota, specialized OTR routes — especially those connecting the Sioux Falls distribution hubs, Brandon logistics centers, and Rapid City's regional freight networks to broader Midwest and Plains markets — can significantly boost earnings well beyond the state average.
Does experience affect truck driver salary?
Yes, significantly. Drivers with several years of clean‑record experience often qualify for premium routes and specialized freight, which can raise annual pay well above the $70,706 South Dakota average. Top earners in South Dakota can make up to $186,600 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in South Dakota?
Adding CDL endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples), taking on flatbed or specialized freight, driving more miles, and maintaining a clean safety record are the fastest ways to increase earnings. Top South Dakota companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in key logistics hubs like the Sioux Falls metropolitan area, Brandon distribution centers, and Rapid City's I-90 corridor along I‑90 and I‑29 that link the Mount Rushmore State to major Midwest and Plains markets. South Dakota's growing agricultural logistics industry, ethanol transport sector, and expanding regional distribution networks create steady demand for specialized freight haulers, with ample opportunities for grain hauling, energy freight, and agricultural delivery.
Are CDL endorsements worth it?
In most cases, yes. Endorsements like hazmat or tanker require extra testing but open access to specialized freight that pays noticeably more than standard routes. In South Dakota, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $70,706, with top earners reaching up to $186,600 annually — especially those servicing the state's growing agricultural, energy, and industrial logistics sectors in hubs like Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Brandon, plus the expanding distribution networks along the I‑90 and I‑29 corridors that connect South Dakota to the greater Midwest and Northern Plains markets.
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