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Automotive Engineer Salary in Spearfish, SD

How much does a automotive engineer make in Spearfish? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Spearfish's cost of living.

Median Salary
$81,108
per year in Spearfish
Entry Level
$49,156
Starting salary
Senior Level
$111,421
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
88
12% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how automotive engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Spearfish.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$49,156$81,108$111,421
Monthly$4,096$6,759$9,285
Biweekly$1,891$3,120$4,285
Weekly$945$1,560$2,143
Hourly$24$39$54

Spearfish vs National Average

How Spearfish's automotive engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Spearfish Salary
$81,108
COL Index: 88
National Average
$112,400
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$31,292
Lower in Spearfish

Cost of Living in Spearfish

1-Bedroom Rent
$820
per month
Median Income
$42,821
per year
Population
12,540
residents
Rent % of Income
23.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 88 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Spearfish have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Automotive Engineer

Overview

Design and develop vehicles and automotive systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automotive or Mechanical Engineering

Key Skills

Vehicle DesignCADPowertrain SystemsPerformance Testing

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +18% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Automotive Engineer Salary

See Automotive Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$111,270
+37%
Los Angeles, CA
$114,290
+41%
Chicago, IL
$100,390
+24%
Houston, TX
$126,870
+56%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,300
+26%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Automotive Engineer Salary in Spearfish, SD — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a automotive engineer in Spearfish, SD is $81,108 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Spearfish's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level automotive engineer professionals in Spearfish can expect to earn around $49,156 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level automotive engineers earning approximately $111,421 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Spearfish's cost of living index of 88 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Spearfish are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $112,400, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a automotive engineer's salary in Spearfish typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $820 per month, housing represents about 12.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Automotive Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 18% over the next decade. In Spearfish, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.