South Dakota salaries by occupation
The median worker in South Dakota earned $45,620 a year in 2024, about $21.93 an hour, 7.8% below the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 429 occupations.
Median pay $45,620 $21.93 per hour
Vs national median -7.8% U.S. $49,500
Workers 452,940 wage and salary
Occupations reported 429 with at least 100 employed
What South Dakota is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest and Conservation Workers | 40.33× | 670 | $37,690 |
| Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers | 11.03× | 710 | $29,450 |
| Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation | 9.26× | 690 | $45,650 |
| Residential Advisors | 7.37× | 1,790 | $36,780 |
| Conveyor Operators and Tenders | 7.29× | 560 | $43,080 |
| Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians | 7× | 760 | $62,510 |
| Machine Feeders and Offbearers | 5.4× | 740 | $38,240 |
| Engine and Other Machine Assemblers | 5.25× | 590 | $44,730 |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers | 4.92× | 2,040 | $42,890 |
| Cooks, Short Order | 4.65× | 2,060 | $31,160 |
Metro areas in South Dakota
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 3 South Dakota metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $46,720 | $22.46 | 174,730 | #192 |
| Sioux City | $45,930 | $22.08 | 75,270 | #225 |
| Rapid City | $44,260 | $21.28 | 71,890 | #289 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetists | $223,650 | $107.52 | 370 | #12 of 25 |
| Family Medicine Physicians | $217,460 | $104.55 | 600 | #17 of 23 |
| Dentists, General | $162,860 | $78.30 | 270 | #30 of 46 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $160,850 | $77.33 | 330 | #24 of 49 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $152,540 | $73.34 | 250 | #33 of 49 |
| Financial Managers | $152,020 | $73.09 | 870 | #18 of 51 |
| Computer Network Architects | $149,300 | $71.78 | 580 | #2 of 49 |
| Pharmacists | $140,190 | $67.40 | 1,290 | #12 of 51 |
| Sales Managers | $133,590 | $64.23 | 450 | #18 of 50 |
| General and Operations Managers | $133,440 | $64.15 | 4,440 | #4 of 51 |
| Physician Assistants | $128,130 | $61.60 | 650 | #37 of 51 |
| Personal Financial Advisors | $123,380 | $59.32 | 500 | #6 of 47 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | 14,500 | $69,510 | $33.42 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 14,420 | $29,480 | $14.17 |
| Retail Salespersons | 13,070 | $34,260 | $16.47 |
| Cashiers | 12,970 | $29,330 | $14.10 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 12,150 | $36,990 | $17.78 |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | 9,830 | $44,780 | $21.53 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 8,290 | $33,940 | $16.32 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 7,080 | $29,080 | $13.98 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 6,750 | $39,760 | $19.12 |
| Nursing Assistants | 6,520 | $38,070 | $18.30 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in South Dakota
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 41
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $70,950
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $63,080
- Plant and System Operators, All Other $58,750
- Chemical Plant and System Operators $56,690
- Tool and Die Makers $55,570
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $54,090
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $52,470
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $50,920
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,870
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $50,460
- Machinists $49,830
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,750
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,680
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $48,340
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,030
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $47,060
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $46,430
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $44,730
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $44,050
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $43,630
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $43,570
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $43,460
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $43,020
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $42,890
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $42,640
- Printing Press Operators $42,570
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $41,700
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $41,080
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $41,070
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $40,190
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $40,050
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $39,510
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $38,920
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $38,860
- Food Batchmakers $38,490
- Sewing Machine Operators $38,120
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $38,100
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $38,070
- Bakers $36,850
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $35,880
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $31,820
Office and administrative support 36
- Cargo and Freight Agents $68,400
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $59,550
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $59,320
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $59,230
- Postal Service Clerks $57,800
- Brokerage Clerks $56,900
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $50,650
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $50,340
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $49,060
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $49,000
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $46,940
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $46,020
- Order Clerks $45,900
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $45,180
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $44,930
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $44,780
- Procurement Clerks $44,510
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $44,420
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $44,120
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $43,680
- Billing and Posting Clerks $43,600
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $43,170
- Bill and Account Collectors $42,540
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $42,140
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $42,110
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $41,570
- Customer Service Representatives $39,760
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $39,710
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $38,720
- Tellers $37,120
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $36,980
- Office Clerks, General $36,850
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $36,560
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $35,910
- Gambling Cage Workers $31,760
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $29,790
Healthcare practitioners 34
- Nurse Anesthetists $223,650
- Family Medicine Physicians $217,460
- Dentists, General $162,860
- Pharmacists $140,190
- Physician Assistants $128,130
- Nurse Practitioners $122,600
- Optometrists $118,980
- Veterinarians $89,970
- Physical Therapists $89,240
- Dental Hygienists $84,300
- Occupational Therapists $81,430
- Chiropractors $79,200
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $79,060
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $74,880
- Registered Nurses $69,510
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $66,870
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $66,320
- Respiratory Therapists $64,720
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $64,720
- Speech-Language Pathologists $63,180
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $62,420
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $60,470
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $57,540
- Athletic Trainers $54,200
- Surgical Technologists $52,400
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $51,460
- Medical Records Specialists $50,320
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $49,170
- Paramedics $48,070
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $45,220
- Pharmacy Technicians $43,760
- Opticians, Dispensing $41,020
- Emergency Medical Technicians $39,520
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $38,760
Education and library 33
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $100,990
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $84,490
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $79,430
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $74,200
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $73,340
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $72,100
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $68,570
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $64,330
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $63,940
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $62,150
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $62,120
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $62,010
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $61,970
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $61,670
- Instructional Coordinators $58,990
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $57,700
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $54,220
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $52,520
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $50,380
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $49,990
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $49,720
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $49,530
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $49,330
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $49,290
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $49,110
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $48,110
- Tutors $37,330
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $35,080
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $33,350
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $30,450
- Library Technicians $28,370
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $27,020
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $26,880
Construction and extraction 28
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $75,840
- Construction and Building Inspectors $63,320
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $61,260
- Electricians $58,550
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $57,610
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $57,600
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $56,720
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $51,930
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $51,920
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $50,790
- Glaziers $50,220
- Sheet Metal Workers $49,780
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $48,730
- Roofers $48,320
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $48,280
- Helpers--Extraction Workers $48,100
- Highway Maintenance Workers $47,650
- Pipelayers $47,230
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $46,910
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $46,600
- Carpenters $46,500
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $45,150
- Tile and Stone Setters $44,450
- Construction Laborers $43,470
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $40,190
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $36,280
- Helpers--Electricians $31,710
- Helpers--Carpenters $30,790
Installation, maintenance and repair 27
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $92,060
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $84,900
- Medical Equipment Repairers $80,580
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $79,320
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $67,770
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $62,510
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $61,190
- Millwrights $60,410
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $60,150
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $59,700
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $59,690
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $59,460
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians $57,780
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $56,380
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $54,760
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $54,520
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $51,590
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $48,410
- Home Appliance Repairers $47,530
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $47,130
- Motorcycle Mechanics $47,110
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $46,420
- Mechanical Door Repairers $44,560
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $40,730
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $39,060
- Tire Repairers and Changers $36,390
- Bicycle Repairers $29,090
Management 24
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $160,850
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $152,540
- Financial Managers $152,020
- Sales Managers $133,590
- General and Operations Managers $133,440
- Natural Sciences Managers $120,310
- Medical and Health Services Managers $116,210
- Construction Managers $113,520
- Managers, All Other $111,630
- Human Resources Managers $109,100
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $107,110
- Industrial Production Managers $105,820
- Administrative Services Managers $104,870
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $103,530
- Facilities Managers $99,260
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $88,730
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $85,080
- Social and Community Service Managers $84,210
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $72,570
- Emergency Management Directors $65,710
- Food Service Managers $60,600
- Lodging Managers $58,500
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $55,270
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $46,350
Business and financial 23
- Personal Financial Advisors $123,380
- Insurance Underwriters $83,370
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $82,900
- Logisticians $82,220
- Project Management Specialists $81,790
- Financial Examiners $81,100
- Management Analysts $79,660
- Loan Officers $78,590
- Accountants and Auditors $77,310
- Budget Analysts $74,960
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $73,810
- Cost Estimators $72,670
- Compliance Officers $71,700
- Financial Risk Specialists $71,670
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $68,930
- Credit Analysts $68,320
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $62,850
- Training and Development Specialists $62,170
- Human Resources Specialists $61,920
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $61,720
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $57,440
- Tax Preparers $51,060
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $44,570
Transport and material moving 23
- Transportation Inspectors $76,960
- Commercial Pilots $75,740
- Locomotive Engineers $67,950
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $64,570
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $61,860
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $56,880
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $50,480
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $45,590
- Airfield Operations Specialists $44,860
- Light Truck Drivers $44,090
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $43,080
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $40,470
- Driver/Sales Workers $39,900
- Bus Drivers, School $38,710
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $38,240
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $37,280
- Stockers and Order Fillers $36,990
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $35,300
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $35,070
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $34,330
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $33,030
- Parking Attendants $31,540
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $29,750
Architecture and engineering 18
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $102,420
- Electrical Engineers $101,930
- Civil Engineers $95,110
- Environmental Engineers $91,320
- Mechanical Engineers $90,590
- Industrial Engineers $89,450
- Surveyors $86,260
- Engineers, All Other $82,970
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $81,760
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $72,640
- Landscape Architects $69,680
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $59,650
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $58,860
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $53,060
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $51,480
- Mechanical Drafters $51,270
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $50,390
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $49,000
Life, physical and social science 17
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $85,790
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $79,460
- Microbiologists $77,730
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $77,070
- School Psychologists $76,990
- Conservation Scientists $72,550
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $71,510
- Urban and Regional Planners $68,080
- Biological Scientists, All Other $67,180
- Chemists $64,480
- Foresters $63,510
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $62,200
- Soil and Plant Scientists $61,970
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $52,290
- Food Science Technicians $46,000
- Biological Technicians $39,560
- Agricultural Technicians $38,650
Personal care and service 17
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $58,990
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $49,050
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $47,580
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $45,050
- Recreation Workers $41,380
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $40,210
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $36,960
- Residential Advisors $36,780
- Gambling Dealers $34,660
- Tour and Travel Guides $34,330
- Skincare Specialists $31,930
- Funeral Attendants $31,830
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $29,470
- Animal Caretakers $29,460
- Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners $29,170
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $28,450
- Childcare Workers $26,870
Sales 16
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $107,700
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $104,060
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $96,960
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $74,430
- Insurance Sales Agents $61,630
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $58,010
- Real Estate Sales Agents $54,410
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $50,980
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $50,180
- Advertising Sales Agents $49,200
- Travel Agents $46,610
- Parts Salespersons $45,140
- Counter and Rental Clerks $36,800
- Retail Salespersons $34,260
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $29,450
- Cashiers $29,330
Arts, design, entertainment and media 15
- Public Relations Specialists $65,000
- Interior Designers $62,140
- Technical Writers $60,310
- Editors $57,260
- Producers and Directors $56,340
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $53,020
- Interpreters and Translators $49,630
- Graphic Designers $43,950
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $43,490
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $40,210
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $36,610
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials $36,380
- Photographers $35,150
- Coaches and Scouts $34,440
- Floral Designers $34,050
Healthcare support 14
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $51,820
- Physical Therapist Assistants $49,840
- Dental Assistants $47,680
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $47,050
- Medical Transcriptionists $45,580
- Massage Therapists $40,780
- Medical Assistants $39,350
- Medical Equipment Preparers $39,120
- Nursing Assistants $38,070
- Phlebotomists $37,860
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $36,780
- Physical Therapist Aides $34,290
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $32,810
- Orderlies $30,690
Food preparation and serving 14
- Chefs and Head Cooks $46,510
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $40,070
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $35,360
- Cooks, Restaurant $35,150
- Cooks, Short Order $31,160
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $30,920
- Cooks, Fast Food $30,640
- Food Preparation Workers $29,820
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $29,480
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $29,320
- Waiters and Waitresses $29,080
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $28,640
- Bartenders $28,530
- Dishwashers $27,590
Computing and mathematics 11
- Computer Network Architects $149,300
- Information Security Analysts $103,310
- Computer Systems Analysts $95,850
- Data Scientists $92,000
- Software Developers $87,770
- Database Administrators $85,890
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $71,040
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $61,790
- Computer Network Support Specialists $52,120
- Web Developers $50,420
- Computer User Support Specialists $46,780
Protective service 11
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $83,220
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $77,440
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $71,770
- Fish and Game Wardens $63,450
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $60,300
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $52,310
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $50,260
- Firefighters $47,520
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $42,480
- Security Guards $37,010
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $29,850
Community and social service 10
- Social Workers, All Other $89,320
- Health Education Specialists $55,770
- Clergy $55,080
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $53,400
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $53,140
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $52,450
- Healthcare Social Workers $51,960
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $49,560
- Rehabilitation Counselors $48,950
- Social and Human Service Assistants $37,750
Building and grounds maintenance 8
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $53,900
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $49,430
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $45,740
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $45,650
- Pest Control Workers $38,850
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $33,940
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $31,420
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $28,950
Farming, fishing and forestry 6
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $54,770
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $45,890
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $39,730
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $38,580
- Forest and Conservation Workers $37,690
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $36,990
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in South Dakota?
The median across all occupations is $45,620 a year, or $21.93 an hour, covering 452,940 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in South Dakota?
Nurse Anesthetists ($223,650), Family Medicine Physicians ($217,460), Dentists, General ($162,860) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does South Dakota employ the most people in?
Registered Nurses, with 14,500 employed at a median of $69,510. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. South Dakota electricity averages 15.73¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.