Average salary in South Dakota
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
The average salary in South Dakota is $57,610 a year and the median is $47,080, across 457,380 jobs (BLS May 2025). South Dakota ranks #45 of 51 for average pay.
| Average (mean) salary | $57,610 |
| Median salary | $47,080 |
| Median hourly wage | $22.63 |
| Bottom 10% earn less than | $29,300 |
| Top 10% earn more than | $94,900 |
| Take-home on the average salary (single, 2026) | $48,470 |
Highest-paying jobs in South Dakota
- Chief Executive: $280,900
- Family Medicine Physician: $239,970
- Marketing Manager: $167,750
- Architectural and Engineering Manager: $164,330
- Computer and Information Systems Manager: $162,240
- Financial Manager: $159,700
- Dentist: $158,140
- Computer Network Architect: $153,390
- Pharmacist: $146,790
- General and Operations Manager: $137,400
- Sales Manager: $136,360
- Physician Assistant: $133,200
- Nurse Practitioner: $128,840
- Personal Financial Advisor: $128,720
- Purchasing Manager: $128,670
- Natural Sciences Manager: $128,140
- Education Administrator: $126,160
- Medical and Health Services Manager: $122,050
- Manager: $119,470
- Construction Manager: $118,380
Most common jobs in South Dakota
| Job | Employed | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Worker | 15,150 | $29,490 |
| Registered Nurse | 14,710 | $78,060 |
| Retail Salesperson | 14,180 | $34,370 |
| Cashier | 12,860 | $29,780 |
| Stocker and Order Filler | 11,460 | $37,650 |
| Bookkeeping | 10,200 | $46,340 |
| Janitor and Cleaner | 8,630 | $35,480 |
| Waiter and Waitress | 7,350 | $28,990 |
| CNA | 6,860 | $38,800 |
| Truck Driver | 6,470 | $58,690 |
| Customer Service Representative | 6,120 | $40,650 |
| Secretary and Administrative Assistant | 6,120 | $41,700 |
| Accountant | 5,820 | $78,880 |
| Receptionist and Information Clerk | 5,760 | $38,280 |
| Sales Representative | 5,220 | $77,210 |
Estimate your own paycheck with the South Dakota paycheck calculator.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates (all occupations). Highest-paying list covers the 300 largest occupations nationally.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in South Dakota?
$57,610 a year (mean of all jobs), with a median of $47,080 ($22.63/hour), per BLS May 2025. South Dakota ranks #45 of 51.
What are the highest-paying jobs in South Dakota?
Chief Executive ($280,900), Family Medicine Physician ($239,970), Marketing Manager ($167,750), among the 300 most common occupations.
What is a good salary in South Dakota?
Earning more than the median of $47,080 puts you above half of South Dakota workers; the top 10% earn over $94,900.