Everything we can verify about jobs, pay and living in South Dakota, from official statistics, with source and date on every table.
Click any dot to open that city: jobs, pay, rent, commute, county economy and climate. Dot size follows population; colours follow the state flag.
By AtiveSite · Published 07/11/2026 · Updated 08/11/2026 · Every figure is linked to its source below.
The 30 largest places in South Dakota, each with its own guide. The map above shows them all; open the sortable tables with GDP, jobs and rent →
| # ⇅ | City ⇅ | Population ⇅ | Median household income ⇅ | Median rent ⇅ | Unemployment (ACS) ⇅ | Bachelor's+ ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sioux Falls | 201,469 | $75,970 | $1,035 | 2.5% | 38.1% |
| 2 | Rapid City | 77,946 | $70,870 | $1,109 | 2.6% | 37.0% |
| 3 | Aberdeen | 28,189 | $64,405 | $762 | 3.6% | 35.0% |
| 4 | Brookings | 23,948 | $63,493 | $889 | 4.5% | 47.5% |
| 5 | Watertown | 23,044 | $69,600 | $942 | 1.8% | 21.6% |
| 6 | Mitchell | 15,649 | $58,620 | $851 | 1.0% | 23.6% |
| 7 | Yankton | 15,540 | $67,804 | $790 | 2.0% | 33.2% |
| 8 | Huron | 14,385 | $61,452 | $888 | 2.6% | 27.0% |
| 9 | Pierre | 13,948 | $77,672 | $983 | 1.2% | 39.0% |
| 10 | Spearfish | 12,930 | $65,688 | $963 | 2.2% | 41.8% |
| 11 | Box Elder | 12,902 | $73,008 | $1,491 | 4.9% | 28.1% |
| 12 | Vermillion | 11,878 | $50,456 | $764 | 8.5% | 50.5% |
| 13 | Brandon | 10,996 | $110,806 | $976 | 1.2% | 41.9% |
| 14 | Harrisburg | 8,519 | $108,724 | $1,362 | 1.0% | 43.8% |
| 15 | Sturgis | 7,086 | $54,404 | $780 | 3.0% | 24.4% |
| 16 | Rapid Valley | 6,975 | $83,208 | $1,174 | 4.3% | 19.8% |
| 17 | Tea | 6,786 | $120,139 | $1,220 | 2.0% | 47.1% |
| 18 | Madison | 6,094 | $65,593 | $981 | 4.4% | 34.4% |
| 19 | Belle Fourche | 5,804 | $65,071 | $983 | 2.6% | 17.1% |
| 20 | Dakota Dunes | 3,936 | $136,125 | $1,225 | 3.4% | 59.8% |
| 21 | Dell Rapids | 3,905 | $100,170 | $962 | 0.3% | 38.9% |
| 22 | Hot Springs | 3,548 | $66,338 | $897 | 1.8% | 28.9% |
| 23 | Milbank | 3,525 | $56,011 | $548 | 1.4% | 31.2% |
| 24 | Hartford | 3,478 | $99,893 | $938 | 0.9% | 34.3% |
| 25 | North Sioux City | 3,045 | $71,908 | $1,098 | 5.1% | 25.8% |
| 26 | Canton | 3,033 | $60,850 | $673 | 5.4% | 16.9% |
| 27 | Summerset | 3,022 | $119,271 | $1,288 | 2.2% | 38.4% |
| 28 | Lead | 3,006 | $73,047 | $835 | n/a | 20.5% |
| 29 | Blackhawk | 2,934 | $71,993 | n/a | 6.8% | 16.4% |
| 30 | Mobridge | 2,932 | $65,357 | $953 | 0.9% | 29.4% |
South Dakota is in the Midwest region (West North Central division), with 907,428 residents, a median age of 38.0 and a median household income of $75,081. The unemployment rate was 2.0% in 2026M09, and the state's price level is 88.6 against 100 for the US as a whole.
| Indicator ⇅ | Value ⇅ | Rank among 50 states + DC ⇅ | Direction ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $75,081 | 31 of 51 | higher is better |
| Unemployment rate | 2.0% | 1 of 51 | lower is better |
| Job openings rate | 4.1% | 21 of 51 | higher is better |
| Price level (RPP) | 88.6 | 6 of 51 | lower is better |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.9% | 35 of 51 | higher is better |
| Foreign-born share | 4.0% | 47 of 51 | higher is better |
See the 285 federal jobs open now →Country guide: United States250 largest cities30 cities: tables and mapRankings
Neighbouring states in the West North Central division: Iowa · Kansas · Minnesota · Missouri · Nebraska · North Dakota.
South Dakota is in the Midwest region (West North Central division) and has 907,428 residents (the 46th largest of the 50 states and DC by population), with a median age of 38.0. Its economy produced about $84,281 million in the latest four quarters (BEA), 46th among states and DC, equal to $92,879 per resident.
The unemployment rate was 2.0% in 2026M09, which is 1st lowest of 51 (1st is the lowest). Employers had job openings equal to 4.1% of employment, 21st highest of 51, a measure of how hard it is to hire. The median wage across all occupations is $47,080 a year ($22.63 an hour), 8% below the national median ($47,080 against $50,980).
The occupations with the most jobs in South Dakota are Fast Food and Counter Workers (15,150 jobs, median $29,490); Registered Nurses (14,710 jobs, median $78,060); Retail Salespersons (14,180 jobs, median $34,370); Cashiers (12,860 jobs, median $29,780); Stockers and Order Fillers (11,460 jobs, median $37,650). Among occupations with at least 2,000 jobs, the best paid are General and Operations Managers (median $137,400); Software Developers (median $96,310); Management Analysts (median $83,620). Compared with the nation, the state is most specialised in construction and extraction (1.4 times the national share of workers) and production (1.2 times the national share of workers).
Prices are below the national average in South Dakota: the regional price parity is 88.6 against 100 for the whole country (6th lowest of 51). Median gross rent is $946 a month and the median household income $75,081, so a year of rent equals 15.1% of income; the median home value is $257,400. The state minimum wage is $11.85 (the higher of state and federal rates applies to most workers). State income tax on wages: No state tax on wages. It is a right-to-work state, meaning workers cannot be required to pay union dues as a condition of employment. It has no state paid family and medical leave programme in our source.
4.0% of residents were born abroad and 31.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Among workers, 77.0% drive alone, 0.5% use public transit and 9.7% work from home; 6.6% commute 45 minutes or more.
These links go to official sources and open in a new window. The first one is the government's or company's own site as listed in Wikidata (property "official website"); check it before relying on it.
| Industry ⇅ | GDP ($ million, annual rate) ⇅ | Share of state GDP ⇅ |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and insurance | 13,554 | 16.1% |
| Health care and social assistance | 8,122 | 9.6% |
| Government and government enterprises | 8,108 | 9.6% |
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 7,460 | 8.9% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 6,142 | 7.3% |
| Retail trade | 5,610 | 6.7% |
| Wholesale trade | 5,556 | 6.6% |
| Manufacturing | 5,482 | 6.5% |
| Construction | 3,479 | 4.1% |
| Accommodation and food services | 3,199 | 3.8% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 3,178 | 3.8% |
| Other services (except government and government enterprises) | 1,797 | 2.1% |
| Information | 1,732 | 2.1% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 1,721 | 2.0% |
| Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services | 1,311 | 1.6% |
| Utilities | 1,277 | 1.5% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 894 | 1.1% |
| Arts, entertainment, and recreation | 564 | 0.7% |
| Educational services | 456 | 0.5% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 194 | 0.2% |
| Sector ⇅ | Jobs (payroll) ⇅ | Change in 12 months ⇅ | Month ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining and logging | 1,200 | +0.0% | 2026M09 |
| Construction | 32,100 | +3.2% | 2026M09 |
| Manufacturing | 43,800 | -0.5% | 2026M09 |
| Trade, transportation and utilities | 90,300 | -2.1% | 2026M09 |
| Information | 4,800 | -4.0% | 2026M09 |
| Financial activities | 27,100 | -0.7% | 2026M09 |
| Professional and business services | 36,100 | -3.5% | 2026M09 |
| Education and health services | 81,700 | +1.6% | 2026M09 |
| Leisure and hospitality | 57,000 | +9.0% | 2026M09 |
| Other services | 18,600 | -0.5% | 2026M09 |
| Government | 81,400 | -1.9% | 2026M09 |
BEA values are seasonally adjusted annual rates averaged over the latest four quarters. BLS payroll counts are not seasonally adjusted. The state total of jobs is 474,100 (latest month).
| Occupation field ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Per 1,000 jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support | 52,830 | 115.5 | 1.01 | $44,010 | $31,220 | $59,640 | -7% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | 45,220 | 98.9 | 1.12 | $30,060 | $27,390 | $41,600 | -14% |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 39,670 | 86.7 | 0.99 | $40,190 | $29,140 | $63,350 | -9% |
| Sales and Related | 46,500 | 101.7 | 1.18 | $37,050 | $28,140 | $95,690 | -4% |
| Management | 17,580 | 38.4 | 0.54 | $110,270 | $58,440 | $207,460 | -13% |
| Business and Financial Operations | 25,560 | 55.9 | 0.82 | $77,730 | $53,260 | $125,380 | -6% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 35,450 | 77.5 | 1.23 | $77,740 | $46,900 | $148,330 | -10% |
| Educational Instruction and Library | 26,300 | 57.5 | 0.98 | $48,850 | $27,500 | $66,280 | -19% |
| Production | 31,240 | 68.3 | 1.24 | $46,220 | $35,320 | $64,540 | -2% |
| Healthcare Support | 16,390 | 35.8 | 0.71 | $39,190 | $31,690 | $48,960 | +2% |
| Construction and Extraction | 26,200 | 57.3 | 1.39 | $50,120 | $37,640 | $76,130 | -16% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 20,090 | 43.9 | 1.12 | $58,890 | $39,520 | $86,960 | -1% |
| Computer and Mathematical | 9,670 | 21.1 | 0.62 | $81,420 | $48,230 | $158,190 | -25% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | 17,030 | 37.2 | 1.27 | $35,170 | $28,620 | $47,450 | -7% |
| Protective Service | 7,540 | 16.5 | 0.68 | $52,140 | $32,190 | $77,440 | +4% |
| Personal Care and Service | 11,920 | 26.1 | 1.24 | $34,830 | $27,250 | $50,660 | -4% |
| Community and Social Service | 8,150 | 17.8 | 1.04 | $51,220 | $38,440 | $74,120 | -12% |
| Architecture and Engineering | 6,560 | 14.3 | 0.85 | $82,040 | $49,810 | $127,560 | -18% |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | 4,880 | 10.7 | 0.81 | $46,040 | $30,090 | $75,320 | -27% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | 4,700 | 10.3 | 1.09 | $65,570 | $41,260 | $104,380 | -21% |
| Legal | 2,210 | 4.8 | 0.58 | $88,400 | $51,580 | $185,100 | -14% |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 1,680 | 3.7 | 1.31 | $43,630 | $33,520 | $56,970 | +19% |
| Industry ⇅ | Share of employed residents ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Education and health care | 25.0% |
| Retail trade | 11.5% |
| Manufacturing | 9.7% |
| Arts, entertainment, accommodation, food | 8.4% |
| Construction | 7.7% |
| Professional, scientific, management, administrative | 7.1% |
| Finance, insurance, real estate | 6.6% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining | 6.3% |
| Public administration | 4.9% |
| Other services | 4.6% |
| Transportation, warehousing, utilities | 4.3% |
| Wholesale trade | 2.4% |
| Information | 1.4% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 15,150 | 1.34 | $29,490 | $27,880 | $36,380 | -5% |
| Registered Nurses | 14,710 | 1.48 | $78,060 | $54,040 | $98,220 | -20% |
| Retail Salespersons | 14,180 | 1.24 | $34,370 | $28,190 | $61,720 | -3% |
| Cashiers | 12,860 | 1.41 | $29,780 | $27,320 | $36,400 | -9% |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 11,460 | 1.37 | $37,650 | $27,730 | $46,020 | +1% |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | 10,200 | 2.52 | $46,340 | $35,730 | $59,140 | -9% |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 8,630 | 1.33 | $35,480 | $28,970 | $44,740 | -4% |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 7,350 | 1.10 | $28,990 | $27,030 | $37,290 | -18% |
| Nursing Assistants | 6,860 | 1.61 | $38,800 | $31,110 | $46,100 | -8% |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 6,470 | 1.07 | $58,690 | $41,590 | $78,610 | +0% |
| Customer Service Representatives | 6,120 | 0.80 | $40,650 | $31,050 | $55,680 | -9% |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | 6,120 | 1.22 | $41,700 | $31,200 | $51,480 | -12% |
| Accountants and Auditors | 5,820 | 1.36 | $78,880 | $61,190 | $115,470 | -6% |
| Receptionists and Information Clerks | 5,760 | 2.15 | $38,280 | $27,920 | $47,860 | +1% |
| Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products | 5,220 | 1.43 | $77,210 | $49,070 | $125,590 | +7% |
| Light Truck Drivers | 4,820 | 1.67 | $43,240 | $27,520 | $59,400 | -4% |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | 4,650 | 1.11 | $28,220 | $24,800 | $35,410 | -23% |
| Carpenters | 4,560 | 2.32 | $48,140 | $37,720 | $65,890 | -21% |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | 4,290 | 1.05 | $50,130 | $47,120 | $60,180 | -22% |
| General and Operations Managers | 4,280 | 0.42 | $137,400 | $85,990 | $232,000 | +30% |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 4,210 | 0.33 | $37,740 | $32,500 | $47,320 | +5% |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | 3,960 | 0.96 | $43,240 | $32,920 | $61,650 | -3% |
| Bartenders | 3,930 | 1.77 | $29,400 | $27,400 | $38,180 | -14% |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 3,820 | 0.44 | $38,980 | $31,340 | $50,420 | -3% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers | 3,660 | 1.11 | $56,680 | $38,270 | $91,620 | +17% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Managers | 1,000 | 0.40 | $159,700 | $113,930 | $232,240 | -4% |
| Pharmacists | 1,280 | 1.36 | $146,790 | $112,200 | $166,340 | +4% |
| General and Operations Managers | 4,280 | 0.42 | $137,400 | $85,990 | $232,000 | +30% |
| Nurse Practitioners | 1,020 | 1.07 | $128,840 | $103,080 | $156,000 | -3% |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 1,140 | 0.65 | $122,050 | $84,310 | $178,630 | -1% |
| Construction Managers | 1,070 | 0.95 | $118,380 | $90,210 | $161,440 | +3% |
| Lawyers | 1,360 | 0.61 | $102,040 | $76,920 | $234,690 | -36% |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 1,110 | 0.73 | $99,790 | $66,710 | $156,170 | -6% |
| Civil Engineers | 1,440 | 1.33 | $98,700 | $70,050 | $127,090 | -2% |
| Software Developers | 2,380 | 0.48 | $96,310 | $65,530 | $160,380 | -29% |
| Physical Therapists | 1,060 | 1.35 | $92,660 | $77,890 | $107,870 | -10% |
| Management Analysts | 2,980 | 1.13 | $83,620 | $59,070 | $147,210 | -18% |
| Project Management Specialists | 1,310 | 0.42 | $82,250 | $58,000 | $130,400 | -20% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 1,750 | 0.96 | $80,810 | $53,580 | $107,300 | +1% |
| Loan Officers | 1,820 | 2.26 | $79,920 | $58,480 | $125,080 | +4% |
| Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators | 1,030 | 1.08 | $78,900 | $58,160 | $104,190 | +1% |
| Accountants and Auditors | 5,820 | 1.36 | $78,880 | $61,190 | $115,470 | -6% |
| Registered Nurses | 14,710 | 1.48 | $78,060 | $54,040 | $98,220 | -20% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | 2,360 | 0.99 | $77,690 | $60,200 | $97,940 | -3% |
| Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products | 5,220 | 1.43 | $77,210 | $49,070 | $125,590 | +7% |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 1,690 | 1.83 | $75,010 | $56,640 | $107,240 | -24% |
| Cost Estimators | 1,030 | 1.56 | $74,950 | $57,110 | $129,560 | -5% |
| Buyers and Purchasing Agents | 1,180 | 0.81 | $73,990 | $56,330 | $105,110 | -5% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | 1,930 | 0.97 | $73,040 | $55,120 | $94,760 | -2% |
| Compliance Officers | 1,130 | 0.92 | $72,630 | $57,140 | $115,920 | -10% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Advisors | 1,780 | 7.15 | $38,420 | $29,070 | $48,210 | -9% |
| Cooks, Short Order | 2,000 | 4.91 | $32,380 | $27,950 | $46,440 | -10% |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers | 2,080 | 4.86 | $44,290 | $35,730 | $48,150 | +16% |
| Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers | 2,550 | 4.21 | $47,160 | $36,640 | $63,380 | -17% |
| Highway Maintenance Workers | 1,800 | 3.95 | $48,610 | $39,030 | $61,490 | -3% |
| Loan Interviewers and Clerks | 1,710 | 3.53 | $47,000 | $38,800 | $58,000 | -6% |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | 1,420 | 2.85 | $50,750 | $39,910 | $64,720 | +0% |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | 1,060 | 2.82 | $53,370 | $43,890 | $73,170 | -11% |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | 3,250 | 2.66 | $49,440 | $38,100 | $63,380 | -8% |
| Parts Salespersons | 2,100 | 2.65 | $45,370 | $34,880 | $61,820 | +17% |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | 10,200 | 2.52 | $46,340 | $35,730 | $59,140 | -9% |
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 1,150 | 2.47 | $47,980 | $37,750 | $68,290 | -1% |
| Bill and Account Collectors | 1,120 | 2.39 | $46,620 | $35,190 | $59,140 | -1% |
| Carpenters | 4,560 | 2.32 | $48,140 | $37,720 | $65,890 | -21% |
| Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | 1,760 | 2.29 | $30,550 | $28,440 | $36,010 | -13% |
| Loan Officers | 1,820 | 2.26 | $79,920 | $58,480 | $125,080 | +4% |
| Receptionists and Information Clerks | 5,760 | 2.15 | $38,280 | $27,920 | $47,860 | +1% |
| Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products | 1,730 | 2.07 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | 1,690 | 1.83 | $75,010 | $56,640 | $107,240 | -24% |
| Food Service Managers | 1,270 | 1.82 | $60,640 | $50,880 | $79,010 | -13% |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 2,050 | 1.77 | $51,100 | $39,150 | $67,310 | -14% |
| Bartenders | 3,930 | 1.77 | $29,400 | $27,400 | $38,180 | -14% |
| Coaches and Scouts | 1,290 | 1.76 | $36,360 | $28,270 | $64,280 | -23% |
| Light Truck Drivers | 4,820 | 1.67 | $43,240 | $27,520 | $59,400 | -4% |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | 2,120 | 1.63 | $36,730 | $30,140 | $45,650 | -2% |
Occupations with a page of their own link to it. Pay above $239,200 a year is shown as "≥ $239,200" (BLS top-code). "n/a" means BLS suppressed the figure.
There are 285 federal job postings open now in South Dakota (USAJOBS). This is the federal government only: most US jobs are in the private sector and are advertised on employers' own sites, so use the pay and demand tables on this page for the whole labour market.
| Agency ⇅ | Open postings ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Veterans Health Administration | 60 |
| Indian Health Service | 56 |
| Federal Aviation Administration | 37 |
| Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System | 22 |
| Forest Service | 17 |
| Air Force Global Strike Command | 10 |
| Western Area Power Administration | 9 |
| Air National Guard Units | 6 |
| Bureau of Indian Education | 6 |
| Defense Commissary Agency | 5 |
| Transportation Security Administration | 5 |
| Internal Revenue Service | 5 |
| Department of the Air Force Headquarters | 4 |
| Immigration and Customs Enforcement | 4 |
| Army National Guard Units | 4 |
| Series ⇅ | Open postings ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Nurse | 19 |
| Medical Officer | 15 |
| Aviation Safety | 14 |
| Wildland Fire Management | 11 |
| Dental Assistant | 8 |
| Miscellaneous Administration And Program | 7 |
| Medical Support Assistance | 7 |
| Optometrist | 6 |
| General Engineering | 6 |
| Food Service Working | 6 |
| Physician Assistant | 6 |
| General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, And Compliance Series | 6 |
| Recreation Aid And Assistant | 5 |
| Dietitian And Nutritionist | 5 |
| Health Aid And Technician | 5 |
Median starting salary in postings that list a yearly range: $63,780 (228 postings).
The median wage in South Dakota is $47,080 a year ($22.63 an hour) against $50,980 nationally (-8%). The 10th percentile earns $29,300 and the 90th $94,900.
| Occupation field ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Per 1,000 jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support | 52,830 | 115.5 | 1.01 | $44,010 | $31,220 | $59,640 | -7% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | 45,220 | 98.9 | 1.12 | $30,060 | $27,390 | $41,600 | -14% |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 39,670 | 86.7 | 0.99 | $40,190 | $29,140 | $63,350 | -9% |
| Sales and Related | 46,500 | 101.7 | 1.18 | $37,050 | $28,140 | $95,690 | -4% |
| Management | 17,580 | 38.4 | 0.54 | $110,270 | $58,440 | $207,460 | -13% |
| Business and Financial Operations | 25,560 | 55.9 | 0.82 | $77,730 | $53,260 | $125,380 | -6% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 35,450 | 77.5 | 1.23 | $77,740 | $46,900 | $148,330 | -10% |
| Educational Instruction and Library | 26,300 | 57.5 | 0.98 | $48,850 | $27,500 | $66,280 | -19% |
| Production | 31,240 | 68.3 | 1.24 | $46,220 | $35,320 | $64,540 | -2% |
| Healthcare Support | 16,390 | 35.8 | 0.71 | $39,190 | $31,690 | $48,960 | +2% |
| Construction and Extraction | 26,200 | 57.3 | 1.39 | $50,120 | $37,640 | $76,130 | -16% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 20,090 | 43.9 | 1.12 | $58,890 | $39,520 | $86,960 | -1% |
| Computer and Mathematical | 9,670 | 21.1 | 0.62 | $81,420 | $48,230 | $158,190 | -25% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | 17,030 | 37.2 | 1.27 | $35,170 | $28,620 | $47,450 | -7% |
| Protective Service | 7,540 | 16.5 | 0.68 | $52,140 | $32,190 | $77,440 | +4% |
| Personal Care and Service | 11,920 | 26.1 | 1.24 | $34,830 | $27,250 | $50,660 | -4% |
| Community and Social Service | 8,150 | 17.8 | 1.04 | $51,220 | $38,440 | $74,120 | -12% |
| Architecture and Engineering | 6,560 | 14.3 | 0.85 | $82,040 | $49,810 | $127,560 | -18% |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | 4,880 | 10.7 | 0.81 | $46,040 | $30,090 | $75,320 | -27% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | 4,700 | 10.3 | 1.09 | $65,570 | $41,260 | $104,380 | -21% |
| Legal | 2,210 | 4.8 | 0.58 | $88,400 | $51,580 | $185,100 | -14% |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 1,680 | 3.7 | 1.31 | $43,630 | $33,520 | $56,970 | +19% |
Estimate for a wage earner: 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction (IRS), Social Security 6.2% up to $184,500, Medicare 1.45% (+0.9% above $200,000 single / $250,000 married), and a state rate you set. It ignores credits, pre-tax deductions, local taxes and benefits. Sources: IRS: tax year 2026 inflation adjustments · SSA wage base per Federal Register notice 2025-19763.
| Rule ⇅ | In South Dakota ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Minimum wage (per hour) | $11.85 (federal minimum is $7.25; the higher applies for most workers) |
| State income tax on wages | No state tax on wages |
| Right-to-work state | Yes |
| State paid family and medical leave program | No program listed in our source |
| Employment | At-will in most states (either side can end the job with notice, with legal exceptions) |
Nationwide rules (overtime after 40 hours, family leave, discrimination, visas) are on the country guide. Many cities and counties set higher minimum wages or paid sick leave; check the local government. Confirm all figures with the official sources before acting.
| Indicator ⇅ | Value ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Price level, all items (US = 100) | 88.6 |
| Median gross rent per month | $946 |
| Median home value | $257,400 |
| Homeowners (share of households) | 68.6% |
| Poverty rate | 11.9% |
| Drive alone to work | 77.0% |
| Public transit to work | 0.5% |
| Work from home | 9.7% |
| Commute of 45 minutes or more | 6.6% |
Regional price parities measure how much it costs to buy the same basket of goods and services: 100 is the national average.
4.0% of residents of South Dakota were born abroad (36,025 people).
| Country of birth ⇅ | Residents ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Mexico | 4,297 |
| Guatemala | 2,526 |
| Ethiopia | 2,308 |
| Philippines | 2,003 |
| El Salvador | 1,742 |
| Ukraine | 1,472 |
| Canada | 1,308 |
| China, excluding Hong Kong and Taiwan | 1,283 |
| Liberia | 1,204 |
| Burma (Myanmar) | 1,149 |
| India | 1,057 |
| Thailand | 950 |
| Nepal | 846 |
| Korea | 710 |
| Cuba | 701 |
Work permits and visas are federal. See permits and first steps and, for your country, Working in the US from your country.
$11.85 (the federal minimum is $7.25; the higher rate applies for most workers). Source: US Department of Labor.
No state tax on wages (Tax Foundation, rates as of 01/01/2026).
2.0% in 2026M09 (BLS, seasonally adjusted).
$75,081 (Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024, 2024 dollars).
285 postings on USAJOBS today. Private-sector jobs are not included.