Power Only Earnings in South Dakota
How much can power only owner-operators earn in South Dakota (SD)? Estimated rates, gross and net monthly income, cost of living impact, fuel costs, and top lanes in the Midwest region.
Power Only Earnings Overview — South Dakota
Rate Per Mile
$1.77
+4.1% vs national
Est. Gross Monthly
$17,700
+22.5% vs national
Est. Net Monthly
$10,202
After COL-adjusted expenses
South Dakota vs National Average
| Metric | South Dakota | National Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate/Mile | $1.77 | $1.70 | +4.1% |
| Gross Monthly | $17,700 | $14,450 | +22.5% |
| Est. Net Monthly | $10,202 | $9,393 | +8.6% |
| Cost of Living | 100 (Average) | 100 (Baseline) | +0% |
| Fuel Tax | 28.0c/gal | ~32c/gal | Below avg |
Cost of Living Impact in South Dakota
South Dakota has a roughly average cost of living (index 100). Power Only rates of $1.77/mile translate well to real purchasing power. Operating expenses are in line with national norms, making SD a balanced market for power only owner-operators.
Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown
| Category | Est. Monthly | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $2,832 | 16.0% |
| Insurance | $708 | 4.0% |
| Truck Payment / Lease | $1,800 | 10.2% |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $708 | 4.0% |
| Tires | $300 | 1.7% |
| Permits & Licenses | $150 | 0.8% |
| Food & Living | $800 | 4.5% |
| Phone / Software | $200 | 1.1% |
| Total Expenses | $7,498 | 42.4% |
| Net Take-Home | $10,202 | 57.6% |
Expenses adjusted for South Dakota's cost of living index (100). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.
Fuel Cost Impact in South Dakota
South Dakota's fuel tax of 28.0 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving power only carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $60/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with low freight volume, SD offers solid margin potential.
Top Power Only Lanes from South Dakota
Power Only Earnings — South Dakota vs Nearby States
| State | Rate/Mile | Gross/Mo | Fuel Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (SD) | $1.77 | $17,700 | 28.0c |
| Illinois (IL) | $1.92 | $19,200 | 46.7c |
| Indiana (IN) | $1.92 | $19,200 | 33.0c |
| Iowa (IA) | $1.75 | $17,500 | 30.0c |
| Kansas (KS) | $1.73 | $17,300 | 24.0c |
Maximize Your Power Only Earnings in South Dakota
A good dispatch service works on the three levers that move your per-mile rate: load negotiation, reduced deadhead, and detention pay recovery.
Power Only Earnings in South Dakota — FAQ
Want to hit the top of these power only numbers in South Dakota?
Our dispatch team looks for the high-paying power only lanes, negotiates your rates, and works to keep you loaded.