Railroad Track Worker Salary in South Dakota (2025)
Railroad Track Workers in South Dakota earn a median salary of $53,000 per year, or $25.50/hr. The state has roughly 68 railroad track worker jobs with a projected growth rate of 3.5% over the next decade.
Railroad Track Worker Pay by Experience Level in South Dakota
Where you are in your career makes a big difference. Apprentices in South Dakota start lower but can expect significant raises as they move toward journeyman and master credentials.
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $15.30/hr | $31,800/yr |
| Journeyman | $25.50/hr | $53,000/yr |
| Master | $33.15/hr | $69,000/yr |
| Foreman | $35.70/hr | $74,300/yr |
Apprentice
Hourly
$15.30
Annual
$31,800
Journeyman
Hourly
$25.50
Annual
$53,000
Master
Hourly
$33.15
Annual
$69,000
Foreman
Hourly
$35.70
Annual
$74,300
Union vs. Non-Union Railroad Track Worker Pay in South Dakota
Union membership can have a major impact on your take-home pay in South Dakota. The numbers below compare average hourly rates for union and non-union railroad track workers in the state.
Union vs. Non-Union Pay
Average hourly rate for railroad track workers
Union railroad track workers earn $7.14/hr more (28.9% premium)
South Dakota vs. National Average
How does South Dakota stack up against the rest of the country? Here is a side-by-side look at average hourly pay for railroad track workers.
South Dakota vs. National Average
Average hourly rate comparison
South Dakota pays $4.50/hr less than the national average (-15.0%)
Overtime Earnings Potential
Many railroad track workers in South Dakota earn well above their base salary thanks to overtime. At the median rate of $25.50/hr, overtime pay (1.5x) works out to roughly $38.25/hr. Working just 10 hours of OT per week at that rate adds about $19,900 to your annual income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Railroad Track Worker salaries in South Dakota vary based on experience, certifications, and whether you work union or non-union. Entry-level railroad track workers typically earn around 60-70% of the median wage, while experienced professionals and those with master-level credentials can earn 25-50% above the median.
Entry-level railroad track workers in South Dakota typically start at the lower end of the pay range, which reflects apprentice or helper-level positions. As you gain experience and complete your training program, your pay increases significantly within the first 2-3 years.
Yes. Union railroad track workers earn 15-30% more per hour on average than their non-union counterparts. When you factor in benefits like pensions, healthcare, and annuity contributions, the total compensation gap is even wider. However, union availability varies significantly by region.
The path to becoming a fully qualified railroad track worker depends on the route you take. Apprenticeship programs typically last 3-5 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Trade school programs can be completed in 6-24 months, though you will still need field experience to reach journeyman level.
Railroad Track Worker work offers solid pay, strong job security, and doesn't require a four-year degree. The South Dakota job outlook shows steady demand, and the ongoing skilled labor shortage means qualified railroad track workers have strong bargaining power. The work can be physically demanding, but many professionals find the trade rewarding and well-compensated.
Certifications can significantly boost a railroad track worker's earning potential. Industry-recognized credentials, advanced specializations, and safety certifications all help you stand out to employers and command higher hourly rates. Master-level licenses typically result in the biggest pay increases.
Major metropolitan areas in South Dakota tend to pay railroad track workers 5-15% above the state average due to higher cost of living and greater demand. Check our city-level salary data for specific figures in your area.
Sources & Methodology
Salary data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. Data reflects May 2024 estimates, the most recent available. Figures represent base pay before overtime, bonuses, or benefits.