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.
ⓘ
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | Repair & Maintenance | $97K | $46.79/hr |
| 62 | Software Developers | Technology | $96K | $46.3/hr |
| 63 | Data Scientists | Technology | $96K | $46.22/hr |
| 64 | Social Workers, All Other | Community & Social | $94K | $45.08/hr |
| 65 | Industrial Engineers | Engineering | $93K | $44.81/hr |
| 66 | Physical Therapists | Healthcare | $93K | $44.55/hr |
| 67 | Dental Hygienists | Healthcare | $92K | $44.33/hr |
| 68 | Postmasters and Mail Superintendents | Management | $92K | $44.01/hr |
| 69 | Audiologists | Healthcare | $91K | $43.84/hr |
| 70 | Financial Examiners | Business & Finance | $89K | $42.64/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
Planning a move? Compare costs with other locations:
Metro areas in South Dakota
Click a metro for detailed salary, rent, and cost-of-living data specific to that area.
Compare South Dakota to other cities
Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
Remote work salary calculator
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