South Dakota · Mechanical Engineering

Best Mechanical Engineering institutions in South Dakota, ranked by earnings

Mechanical Engineering is a dynamic field that focuses on the study of physical machines and mechanisms, emphasizing force and movement. This program is designed for students interested in applying principles of engineering physics,…

Institutions
2
offering CIP 14.19
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
174
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$67,791
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
2
College Scorecard
Median net price
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
58%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Mechanical Engineers
$96,180
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 2 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Rapid City Public · Bachelor's degree
$69,6679353%$27,000
2South Dakota State University
Brookings Public · Bachelor's degree
$67,7918162%$27,000

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Mechanical Engineers (SOC 17-2141).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+9.1%
Much faster than average
Openings / yr (US)
~18,100
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$102,320
typically Bachelor's degree

Top skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingScienceMathematicsActive Learning

What Mechanical Engineers earn in South Dakota

Jobs in South Dakota
680
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$96,180
median $90,590
Best-paying metro
$99,850
Sioux Falls, SD-MN

Related careers

Cost Estimators
$74,760 avg · 940 jobs
Mechanical Engineers
$96,180 avg · 680 jobs
Aerospace Engineers

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Mechanical Engineering programs in South Dakota.

Which Mechanical Engineering program in South Dakota has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), South Dakota School of Mines and Technology tops the list at $69,667. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Mechanical Engineers earn in South Dakota?+

The average annual wage for Mechanical Engineers in South Dakota is $96,180 (median $90,590), across about 680 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Mechanical Engineering program?+

Mechanical Engineering is a dynamic field that focuses on the study of physical machines and mechanisms, emphasizing force and movement. This program is designed for students interested in applying principles of engineering physics,…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop reading comprehension, active listening, critical thinking, science, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Mechanical Engineers?+

The national job outlook is about +9.1% growth with around 18,100 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

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