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Food Service · South Dakota

How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in South Dakota

Cooks, Restaurants in South Dakota earn a median salary of $35,150/year, which is 5% below the national average. South Dakota has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $1,111/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$35K
Median salary in South Dakota
-5%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
1,880
Employed in South Dakota

What a cooks, restaurant can afford in South Dakota

Gross annual salary$35,150
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$2,523/mo
Median 2BR rent (South Dakota)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home56% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$35,150/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,111/mo

Becoming a cooks, restaurant in South Dakota

1

Meet education requirements

Cooks, Restaurant positions in South Dakota typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across South Dakota. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many cooks, restaurant positions in South Dakota require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain South Dakota licensure or certification

South Dakota may require specific licensing or professional certification for cooks, restaurants. Requirements vary by state — contact the South Dakota Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in South Dakota

South Dakota employs 1,880 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Sioux Falls and Rapid City.

Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in South Dakota

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Sioux Falls$36K$17.45/hr660
Rapid City$35K$16.9/hr350

Cooks, Restaurant salary range in South Dakota

10th percentile (entry)
$30K
25th percentile
$31K
Median (50th)
$35K
75th percentile
$37K
90th percentile (senior)
$44K
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a cooks, restaurant make in South Dakota?

The median cooks, restaurant salary in South Dakota is $35,150 per year ($16.9/hr). This is 5% below the national median of $36,830. Salaries range from $29,800 to $43,720.

What are the requirements to become a cooks, restaurant in South Dakota?

Cooks, Restaurant positions in South Dakota typically require No formal educational credential. South Dakota may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the South Dakota licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in South Dakota?

At the median salary of $35,150, a cooks, restaurant in South Dakota would take home approximately $2,523/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 56% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for cooks, restaurants in South Dakota?

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in South Dakota are Sioux Falls ($36,300), Rapid City ($35,150). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does South Dakota have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?

No, South Dakota does not have a state income tax. This means cooks, restaurants keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.