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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 | Database Administrators | Technology | $83K | $39.69/hr |
| 92 | Project Management Specialists | Business & Finance | $82K | $39.54/hr |
| 93 | Nuclear Medicine Technologists | Healthcare | $82K | $39.43/hr |
| 94 | Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $81K | N/A |
| 95 | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | Science | $81K | $38.89/hr |
| 96 | Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | Healthcare | $81K | $38.85/hr |
| 97 | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | Repair & Maintenance | $81K | $38.85/hr |
| 98 | Orthotists and Prosthetists | Healthcare | $81K | $38.83/hr |
| 99 | Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | Science | $80K | $38.52/hr |
| 100 | Logisticians | Business & Finance | $80K | $38.47/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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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