Top Paying Jobs in South Dakota
South Dakota has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 46,680 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Radiologists ($586,010), Emergency Medicine Physicians ($393,870), Obstetricians and Gynecologists ($297,610). The cost of living index is 89.89 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,017/month.
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State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.
$125K
Avg. median salary
89.89
Cost of living index
$1,017
Median 2BR rent
923,484
Population
Highest paying careers in South Dakota
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Radiologists | Healthcare | $586K | $281.73/hr |
| 2 | Emergency Medicine Physicians | Healthcare | $394K | $189.36/hr |
| 3 | Obstetricians and Gynecologists | Healthcare | $298K | $143.08/hr |
| 4 | Chief Executives | Management | $281K | $135.05/hr |
| 5 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | Healthcare | $281K | $134.87/hr |
| 6 | Nurse Anesthetists | Healthcare | $264K | $126.89/hr |
| 7 | Pediatricians, General | Healthcare | $258K | $123.85/hr |
| 8 | Family Medicine Physicians | Healthcare | $240K | $115.37/hr |
| 9 | Psychiatrists | Healthcare | $226K | $108.74/hr |
| 10 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | Healthcare | $212K | $101.92/hr |
Affordability snapshot: South Dakota
These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.
Cost of living vs. national average-10.1% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,017/mo
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Metro areas in South Dakota
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Compare South Dakota to other cities
Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
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See what your salary is worth in South Dakota
Calculate take-home pay in South Dakota
After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in South Dakota?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
What salary do you need to live comfortably in South Dakota?
Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data