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Solar Installer Salaries in South Dakota — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

The median solar installer salary in South Dakota is $55,000 per year, equivalent to $26.44/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. South Dakota employs approximately 1,000 solar installers statewide.

Solar Installer salaries in South Dakota are above the national average by approximately $323. South Dakota has no state income tax.

South Dakota's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for solar installers.

South Dakota Solar Installer Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in South Dakota after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. South Dakota has no state income tax.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$55,000
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$47,264

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. South Dakota has no state income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — South Dakota Solar Installer Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the South Dakota median of $55,000.

Your annual salary ($)

Solar Installer Salary by Experience — South Dakota

Entry Level (0–2 years)$34,100/yr · $16.39/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in South Dakota.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$48,950/yr · $23.53/hr
Established professional working independently in South Dakota. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$61,050/yr · $29.35/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in South Dakota.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$79,200+/yr · $38.08/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in South Dakota.
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Solar Installer Salary Trend in South Dakota — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Five-year wage growth for solar installers in South Dakota: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in South Dakota's renewable energy and construction.

2021
$48,290
2022
$51,095
+5.8%
2023
$53,460
+4.6%
2024
$54,340
+1.6%
2026
$55,000
+1.2%

Solar Installer Salary by City — South Dakota

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Sioux Falls$61,050$29.35+11.0%350
Rapid City$58,300$28.03+6.0%280
Aberdeen$56,650$27.24+3.0%180
Brookings$52,800$25.38-4.0%90
Watertown$50,050$24.06-9.0%60
Mitchell$47,850$23.00-13.0%50

Tip: Sioux Falls offers the highest solar installer salaries in South Dakota at $61,050/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

South Dakota vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, South Dakota compares favourably for solar installers.

South Dakota — No state income tax$55,000 gross~$47,264 take-home
North Dakota — 2.5%$55,000 gross+0.0% vs SD
Minnesota — 9.85%$55,000 gross+0.0% vs SD
Iowa — 6.0%$55,000 gross+0.0% vs SD

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. South Dakota has no state income tax.

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Solar Installer Job Outlook in South Dakota

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
1,000Currently employed
100+New jobs projected

Employment for solar installers in South Dakota is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the South Dakota job market. South Dakota's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for solar installers.

How to Earn More as a Solar Installer in South Dakota

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a solar installer in South Dakota typically adds $45,100 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the NABCEP Certification can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Sioux Falls pays solar installers $61,050/yr — +11.0% above the South Dakota average. Simply relocating within South Dakota can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Solar Installers who specialise in renewable energy and construction typically command premium rates in South Dakota. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. North Dakota pays solar installers $55,000/yr — 0.0% vs South Dakota.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a solar installer make in South Dakota?
The average solar installer salary in South Dakota is $55,000 per year, or $26.44 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $34,100 while experienced professionals earn $79,200 or more.
What city in South Dakota pays solar installers the most?
Sioux Falls pays solar installers the most in South Dakota at an average of $61,050 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does South Dakota stack up nationally for solar installer pay?
South Dakota solar installer salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $323. South Dakota has no state income tax.
What's the after-tax salary for solar installers in South Dakota?
A solar installer earning the South Dakota average of $55,000 takes home approximately $47,264 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. South Dakota has no state income tax.
Are solar installer jobs worth pursuing in South Dakota?
Yes. Solar Installer is a strong career choice in South Dakota with steady demand projected over the next decade. South Dakota's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for solar installers.
How do you become a licensed solar installer in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, solar installers are licensed through the NABCEP Certification. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the NABCEP Certification for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.