Skip to content
AffordMap
Food Service · South Dakota

How to Become a Food Preparation Workers in South Dakota

Food Preparation Workers in South Dakota earn a median salary of $29,820/year, which is 13% below the national average. South Dakota has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a food preparation workers takes home approximately $755/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$30K
Median salary in South Dakota
-13%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
3,320
Employed in South Dakota

What a food preparation workers can afford in South Dakota

Gross annual salary$29,820
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$2,167/mo
Median 2BR rent (South Dakota)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home65.2% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$29,820/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$755/mo

Becoming a food preparation workers in South Dakota

1

Meet education requirements

Food Preparation Workers 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 food preparation workers 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 food preparation workerss. 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 3,320 food preparation workers. The highest concentrations are in Rapid City and Sioux Falls.

Food Preparation Workers salary by metro area in South Dakota

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Rapid City$30K$14.53/hr620
Sioux Falls$30K$14.19/hr1,230

Food Preparation Workers salary range in South Dakota

10th percentile (entry)
$26K
25th percentile
$28K
Median (50th)
$30K
75th percentile
$33K
90th percentile (senior)
$37K
View jobs for Food Preparation Workers
Currently hiring in South Dakota
View →
More openings for Food Preparation Workers
Currently hiring in South Dakota
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full food preparation workers salary breakdown in South Dakota
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in South Dakota
No state income tax!
Calculate →
Compare South Dakota cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Food Preparation Workers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a food preparation workers make in South Dakota?

The median food preparation workers salary in South Dakota is $29,820 per year ($14.34/hr). This is 13% below the national median of $34,220. Salaries range from $25,600 to $37,400.

What are the requirements to become a food preparation workers in South Dakota?

Food Preparation Workers 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 food preparation workers afford to live in South Dakota?

At the median salary of $29,820, a food preparation workers in South Dakota would take home approximately $2,167/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 65.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for food preparation workers in South Dakota?

The highest paying metro areas for food preparation workers in South Dakota are Rapid City ($30,220), Sioux Falls ($29,510). 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 food preparation workers?

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