How to Become A CNC Machinist in South Dakota
South Dakota employs approximately 830 cnc machinists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $50,890 1. Nationally, cnc machinist employment is projected to grow 0.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 29,500 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a cnc machinist in South Dakota, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A CNC Machinist in South Dakota
How do I become a cnc machinist in South Dakota? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for cnc machinists in South Dakota.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do cnc machinists earn in South Dakota? The median annual wage for cnc machinists in South Dakota is $50,890 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $39,280 and experienced professionals can earn $60,840 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (South Dakota): $50,890 per year 1
CNC Machinist Apprenticeship Information in South Dakota
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. South Dakota’s apprenticeship program is administered by the South Dakota Department of Labor - Registered Apprenticeship 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: StartTodaySD Apprenticeship Program
- Address: 123 West Missouri Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501
- Phone: (605) 910-7031
- Email: [email protected]
CNC Machinist Wages by Metro Area in South Dakota
Machinists Wages by Metro Area in South Dakota
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), machinists wages in South Dakota vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | 160 | $52,000 | $54,720 | $43,040 | $64,940 |
| Sioux City | 80 | $56,350 | $53,180 | $37,840 | $63,140 |
| Rapid City | 70 | $47,840 | $51,410 | $39,650 | $61,370 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Cnc machinists in South Dakota
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest cnc machinist employment within South Dakota according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | 160 | $52,000 |
| Rapid City | 70 | $47,840 |
Explore cnc machinist programs in Sioux Falls and Rapid City.
Explore More Trades in South Dakota
- Electrician in South Dakota
- Plumber in South Dakota
- HVAC Technician in South Dakota
- Welder in South Dakota
- Carpenter in South Dakota
- Solar Installation Technician in South Dakota
- Auto Mechanic in South Dakota
- Certified Nursing Assistant in South Dakota
- Medical Assistant in South Dakota
- Massage Therapist in South Dakota
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for cnc machinists in South Dakota? South Dakota currently employs approximately 830 cnc machinists 1. Nationally, cnc machinist employment is projected to grow 0.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in South Dakota? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in South Dakota. You can also contact the South Dakota Department of Labor - Registered Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do cnc machinists earn in South Dakota compared to the national average? The median annual wage for cnc machinists in South Dakota is $50,890, which is $5,260 below the national median of $56,150 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
South Dakota Department of Labor - Registered Apprenticeship: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |