Average salary in South Dakota

South Dakota offers a unique financial landscape with a lower cost of living compared to many other states in the US. However, it is still important to understand the average salaries and highest paying counties to make informed decisions about your career and lifestyle.

The state of South Dakota has an average salary of $47,100, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is lower than the national average of $56,310, but it is important to note that the cost of living is also lower in South Dakota. In fact, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, South Dakota is ranked as the 18th most affordable state in the US. But which cities and counties offer the highest average salaries?

Average salary in South Dakota by city

City living is often more expensive than living in more rural areas, but it’s also where the money is. South Dakota’s own cities can vary in average salary; cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City command more than $55,000, while Vermillion’s average sits just above $40,000.

Average earnings by city—or any other geographical metric—is just one way of calculating wealth, and certainly shouldn’t be the only way you look at your own earning potential in a given place. It doesn’t take into account the type of jobs that people do to earn above or below this average bracket, and omits any consideration for the number of people living in a household. However, it’s certainly one way of establishing which place offers good earning opportunities.

The US Census Bureau’s latest American Community Survey has calculated the average earnings for the largest cities in South Dakota, which you can find ranked below.

Average salary in South Dakota by county

Reviewing average salaries in South Dakota by city is not necessarily an adequate metric for average salaries across the state, since it’s entirely urban focused. A good idea is to weigh these figures up against the average salary in California by county, as this will take areas outside the main cities into account and offer a broader idea of salary ranges.

The same survey from the US Census Bureau gives further insight this way, with the average household income calculated for each county.

Highest paying jobs in South Dakota

There’s another weighty factor that will influence how much you earn if you live in South Dakota: your job type. Average salaries for various sectors and job roles can vary massively across the state, so it’s absolutely something to consider when looking at salaries by location.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has calculated a comprehensive list of annual salaries by occupation area, which you can also find below.

Frequently asked questions about salaries in South Dakota

What is the average salary in South Dakota by age?
Alongside location and occupation, salaries in South Dakota are also dependent on age, since more senior workers will be paid more. Then, when they retire, their income will dip again as they will rely on pensions and other forms of set income.

The Census Bureau data finds that householders under 25 have a median household income of $32,080, householders aged 25 to 44 have a median income of $63,833, those aged 45 to 64 years old have a median income of $66,417, and those 65 and older have a median income of $43,868.

What is a ‘good’ salary in South Dakota?
The median income in South Dakota is $60,520, which can serve as a baseline to consider a 'good' salary. However, factors such as occupation, education level, location, and personal circumstances can also play a role in determining what is considered a 'good' salary for an individual.

What is the average salary in South Dakota by hour?
If Americans work an average of 1,801 hours per year—at 37.5 hours a week—then the average hourly salary in South Dakota is $21.81.

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