Career Progression: Entry-Level vs Senior Salaries in South Dakota (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much more do senior professionals earn compared to entry-level in South Dakota? Explore salary growth potential for 534+ occupations, based on 2025 BLS percentile data.

534
Occupations Tracked
80%
Avg Career Growth
2025
BLS Data Year

Top 10: Highest Career Growth Potential in South Dakota

These occupations show the largest salary gap between entry-level (P10) and senior (P90) in South Dakota — the biggest payoff for career advancement.

#1 Career Growth
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
Entry: $47,750 → Senior: $226,210
+374%
#2 Career Growth
Financial and Investment Analysts
Entry: $55,010 → Senior: $239,700
+336%
#3 Career Growth
Personal Financial Advisors
Entry: $77,280 → Senior: $337,140
+336%
#4 Career Growth
Food Scientists and Technologists
Entry: $41,990 → Senior: $147,530
+251%
#5 Career Growth
Physicists
Entry: $53,910 → Senior: $180,690
+235%
#6 Career Growth
Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Entry: $131,350 → Senior: $433,910
+230%
#7 Career Growth
Labor Relations Specialists
Entry: $49,270 → Senior: $158,800
+222%
#8 Career Growth
Chief Executives
Entry: $175,590 → Senior: $546,760
+211%
#9 Career Growth
Commercial Pilots
Entry: $51,590 → Senior: $157,840
+206%
#10 Career Growth
Lawyers
Entry: $76,920 → Senior: $234,690
+205%

All 534 Occupations by Career Growth in South Dakota

Complete list sorted by career salary growth premium (highest to lowest) for South Dakota. Click any job to see the full entry-level vs senior breakdown with percentile data.

# Occupation Entry (P10) Median Senior (P90) Growth
1 Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $47,750 $86,780 $226,210 +374%
2 Financial and Investment Analysts $55,010 $99,150 $239,700 +336%
3 Personal Financial Advisors $77,280 $128,720 $337,140 +336%
4 Food Scientists and Technologists $41,990 $71,330 $147,530 +251%
5 Physicists $53,910 $83,050 $180,690 +235%
6 Obstetricians and Gynecologists $131,350 $297,610 $433,910 +230%
7 Labor Relations Specialists $49,270 $57,900 $158,800 +222%
8 Chief Executives $175,590 $280,900 $546,760 +211%
9 Commercial Pilots $51,590 $83,710 $157,840 +206%
10 Lawyers $76,920 $102,040 $234,690 +205%
11 Sales Managers $72,510 $136,360 $219,050 +202%
12 Transportation Inspectors $47,340 $70,080 $141,130 +198%
13 Financial Examiners $54,790 $88,690 $162,970 +197%
14 First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $61,110 $105,680 $177,380 +190%
15 Directors, Religious Activities and Education $27,500 $53,360 $79,330 +188%
16 Producers and Directors $38,140 $60,260 $109,180 +186%
17 Radiologists $233,620 $586,010 $669,020 +186%
18 Forensic Science Technicians $26,450 $51,690 $72,510 +174%
19 Business Teachers, Postsecondary $51,260 $72,650 $139,230 +172%
20 General and Operations Managers $85,990 $137,400 $232,000 +170%
21 Insurance Sales Agents $49,090 $71,990 $131,540 +168%
22 Interior Designers $46,650 $65,220 $124,490 +167%
23 Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $28,880 $44,160 $77,180 +167%
24 Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $47,000 $63,490 $124,380 +165%
25 Dentists, General $94,560 $158,140 $250,780 +165%
26 Education Administrators, Postsecondary $86,610 $126,160 $228,660 +164%
27 Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $61,350 $102,500 $162,160 +164%
28 Microbiologists $40,820 $70,530 $107,200 +163%
29 Psychiatrists $130,000 $226,180 $341,360 +163%
30 Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $37,790 $61,770 $99,490 +163%
31 Nuclear Medicine Technologists $39,090 $82,010 $101,940 +161%
32 Credit Analysts $51,690 $73,040 $134,230 +160%
33 Insurance Underwriters $58,980 $83,130 $152,720 +159%
34 Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $49,070 $77,210 $125,590 +156%
35 Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $30,860 $39,820 $79,090 +156%
36 General Internal Medicine Physicians $222,550 $280,520 $564,280 +154%
37 Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $40,650 $67,290 $103,040 +153%
38 Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $48,590 $88,610 $121,840 +151%
39 Management Analysts $59,070 $83,620 $147,210 +149%
40 Detectives and Criminal Investigators $60,210 $77,730 $149,280 +148%
41 Self-Enrichment Teachers $32,390 $49,720 $79,770 +146%
42 Software Developers $65,530 $96,310 $160,380 +145%
43 Advertising Sales Agents $39,010 $60,190 $95,670 +145%
44 Logisticians $56,660 $80,020 $136,990 +142%
45 Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $52,690 $85,700 $126,780 +141%
46 Real Estate Sales Agents $45,970 $65,170 $110,160 +140%
47 First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $38,270 $56,680 $91,620 +139%
48 Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $27,620 $39,840 $65,130 +136%
49 Choreographers $27,300 $40,320 $64,430 +136%
50 Computer Systems Analysts $66,710 $99,790 $156,170 +134%
51 Soil and Plant Scientists $51,980 $73,590 $120,970 +133%
52 First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $40,130 $57,880 $93,590 +133%
53 Marketing Managers $101,350 $167,750 $233,820 +131%
54 Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $42,300 $72,910 $96,600 +128%
55 Fish and Game Wardens $37,170 $68,810 $84,860 +128%
56 Cost Estimators $57,110 $74,950 $129,560 +127%
57 Coaches and Scouts $28,270 $36,360 $64,280 +127%
58 Natural Sciences Managers $94,520 $128,140 $213,210 +126%
59 Information Security Analysts $71,610 $116,640 $161,700 +126%
60 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $59,270 $78,720 $134,040 +126%
61 Sheet Metal Workers $38,420 $47,800 $86,780 +126%
62 Project Management Specialists $58,000 $82,250 $130,400 +125%
63 Computer Programmers $47,670 $58,240 $106,820 +124%
64 Driver/Sales Workers $28,960 $45,050 $64,540 +123%
65 Tutors $27,960 $38,760 $62,040 +122%
66 Fundraisers $53,940 $66,800 $119,210 +121%
67 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $47,670 $68,120 $104,840 +120%
68 Emergency Medicine Physicians $210,850 $393,870 $461,290 +119%
69 Retail Salespersons $28,190 $34,370 $61,720 +119%
70 Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $37,550 $60,890 $81,560 +117%
71 Prepress Technicians and Workers $29,760 $46,370 $64,590 +117%
72 Data Scientists $67,510 $96,150 $145,510 +116%
73 Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $58,490 $76,570 $126,370 +116%
74 Light Truck Drivers $27,520 $43,240 $59,400 +116%
75 Loan Officers $58,480 $79,920 $125,080 +114%
76 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $59,470 $80,890 $127,120 +114%
77 Skincare Specialists $24,450 $38,230 $52,350 +114%
78 Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers $45,760 $59,300 $97,610 +113%
79 Medical Equipment Repairers $49,700 $69,530 $105,650 +113%
80 Medical and Health Services Managers $84,310 $122,050 $178,630 +112%
81 Financial Risk Specialists $70,310 $78,960 $148,750 +112%
82 Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $58,020 $75,810 $123,190 +112%
83 Hearing Aid Specialists $37,430 $54,910 $79,490 +112%
84 Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators $37,110 $44,440 $78,800 +112%
85 Human Resources Managers $83,780 $117,930 $176,930 +111%
86 Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials $29,840 $35,260 $63,060 +111%
87 Public Relations Specialists $48,460 $64,520 $102,480 +111%
88 Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $35,370 $49,560 $74,800 +111%
89 Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $70,090 $107,410 $147,230 +110%
90 Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $71,910 $84,150 $150,890 +110%
91 Veterinarians $61,640 $88,650 $128,920 +109%
92 Medical Records Specialists $36,920 $51,610 $76,950 +108%
93 Orthotists and Prosthetists $52,220 $80,760 $108,730 +108%
94 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $38,670 $51,160 $80,500 +108%
95 Medical Appliance Technicians $38,500 $52,950 $80,250 +108%
96 Human Resources Specialists $50,670 $67,590 $104,550 +106%
97 Computer Network Architects $96,670 $153,390 $199,420 +106%
98 Mechanical Engineers $65,130 $88,380 $134,140 +106%
99 Postal Service Clerks $36,360 $58,470 $75,030 +106%
100 Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $42,630 $62,000 $88,000 +106%
101 Surveyors $59,690 $77,190 $122,560 +105%
102 Atmospheric and Space Scientists $63,350 $78,900 $129,960 +105%
103 Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $52,040 $75,540 $106,900 +105%
104 Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $52,060 $64,620 $106,840 +105%
105 Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $37,760 $51,210 $77,500 +105%
106 Interpreters and Translators $36,730 $53,140 $75,320 +105%
107 Financial Managers $113,930 $159,700 $232,240 +104%
108 Budget Analysts $56,910 $79,180 $116,000 +104%
109 Family Medicine Physicians $175,200 $239,970 $356,720 +104%
110 Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $42,810 $60,740 $87,520 +104%
111 Compliance Officers $57,140 $72,630 $115,920 +103%
112 Broadcast Technicians $27,270 $32,150 $55,360 +103%
113 Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators $28,090 $33,820 $57,110 +103%
114 Recreational Therapists $41,390 $46,850 $83,780 +102%
115 Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $37,770 $59,700 $76,110 +102%
116 Emergency Management Directors $48,640 $67,180 $97,850 +101%
117 Animal Scientists $50,660 $77,300 $101,990 +101%
118 Sales Engineers $81,270 $119,110 $162,470 +100%
119 First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $53,580 $80,810 $107,300 +100%
120 Electrical Engineers $69,580 $98,980 $138,210 +99%
121 Clergy $37,890 $59,860 $75,500 +99%
122 Security Guards $30,060 $37,150 $59,840 +99%
123 Tax Preparers $39,080 $52,530 $77,480 +98%
124 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $41,480 $58,000 $82,160 +98%
125 Curators $49,740 $74,990 $98,490 +98%
126 Purchasing Managers $95,100 $128,670 $187,190 +97%
127 Conservation Scientists $51,100 $76,400 $100,420 +97%
128 Chemists $51,270 $67,440 $101,030 +97%
129 Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $49,390 $68,230 $97,060 +97%
130 Industrial Production Managers $82,620 $107,490 $162,240 +96%
131 Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $59,480 $63,160 $116,740 +96%
132 Surgical Technologists $38,450 $59,870 $75,470 +96%
133 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $71,650 $87,810 $140,500 +96%
134 Brickmasons and Blockmasons $44,000 $60,380 $86,020 +96%
135 Solar Photovoltaic Installers $37,560 $42,380 $73,590 +96%
136 Training and Development Specialists $44,200 $61,570 $86,200 +95%
137 Anthropologists and Archeologists $50,110 $63,130 $97,470 +95%
138 Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $30,090 $40,070 $58,730 +95%
139 Administrative Services Managers $76,200 $106,410 $147,720 +94%
140 Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $63,630 $80,130 $123,210 +94%
141 First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $42,940 $62,530 $83,490 +94%
142 Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $45,780 $64,900 $88,800 +94%
143 Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $30,070 $49,000 $58,250 +94%
144 Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $37,550 $49,490 $72,500 +93%
145 School Psychologists $65,930 $78,370 $127,310 +93%
146 Chiropractors $58,770 $76,210 $113,180 +93%
147 Optometrists $90,560 $102,320 $174,920 +93%
148 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $47,540 $60,740 $91,900 +93%
149 Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $32,090 $49,800 $61,900 +93%
150 Computer Hardware Engineers $78,040 $101,400 $150,110 +92%
151 Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $51,100 $80,820 $98,090 +92%
152 Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $30,460 $37,480 $58,450 +92%
153 Forest and Conservation Technicians $43,530 $54,770 $82,990 +91%
154 Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $56,590 $86,010 $107,950 +91%
155 Instructional Coordinators $46,910 $57,910 $89,590 +91%
156 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $51,160 $77,010 $97,660 +91%
157 Postal Service Mail Carriers $42,390 $60,760 $81,040 +91%
158 Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $56,720 $76,000 $107,720 +90%
159 Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $58,870 $65,020 $111,750 +90%
160 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $39,230 $51,620 $74,480 +90%
161 Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $48,330 $64,630 $91,390 +89%
162 Accountants and Auditors $61,190 $78,880 $115,470 +89%
163 Network and Computer Systems Administrators $56,640 $75,010 $107,240 +89%
164 Electrical and Electronics Drafters $38,860 $50,840 $73,310 +89%
165 Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $42,890 $54,570 $80,990 +89%
166 Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $28,580 $40,630 $53,940 +89%
167 Paramedics $30,950 $48,830 $58,380 +89%
168 Automotive Body and Related Repairers $39,180 $49,460 $74,110 +89%
169 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $41,590 $58,690 $78,610 +89%
170 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $39,230 $48,920 $73,610 +88%
171 Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $33,210 $52,350 $62,540 +88%
172 Printing Press Operators $33,980 $44,930 $63,800 +88%
173 Buyers and Purchasing Agents $56,330 $73,990 $105,110 +87%
174 First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $34,210 $46,860 $64,020 +87%
175 Recreation Workers $32,390 $42,270 $60,470 +87%
176 Counter and Rental Clerks $26,190 $36,400 $48,850 +87%
177 Construction and Building Inspectors $47,670 $64,940 $89,050 +87%
178 Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $32,920 $43,240 $61,650 +87%
179 First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $44,010 $64,780 $82,080 +87%
180 Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $41,800 $63,240 $77,690 +86%
181 Rehabilitation Counselors $41,190 $49,350 $76,680 +86%
182 Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $45,840 $72,940 $85,100 +86%
183 Physical Therapist Aides $24,010 $31,330 $44,770 +86%
184 Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $38,130 $58,930 $70,770 +86%
185 Maintenance Workers, Machinery $32,460 $45,240 $60,530 +86%
186 Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $63,840 $97,310 $118,530 +86%
187 Computer and Information Systems Managers $119,670 $162,240 $221,420 +85%
188 Industrial Engineers $69,310 $93,200 $128,500 +85%
189 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $30,830 $44,180 $57,010 +85%
190 History Teachers, Postsecondary $54,190 $69,220 $100,350 +85%
191 First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $40,930 $49,860 $75,590 +85%
192 Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $33,280 $50,800 $61,530 +85%
193 Graphic Designers $36,290 $48,390 $66,620 +84%
194 Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $48,730 $65,240 $89,710 +84%
195 First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $43,700 $60,680 $80,450 +84%
196 Library Technicians $26,060 $29,590 $47,600 +83%
197 Respiratory Therapists $48,530 $68,240 $88,830 +83%
198 Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $30,510 $43,920 $55,900 +83%
199 Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $57,870 $98,090 $105,770 +83%
200 Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $36,310 $47,050 $66,060 +82%
201 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $30,980 $44,500 $56,370 +82%
202 Registered Nurses $54,040 $78,060 $98,220 +82%
203 Occupational Therapy Assistants $40,110 $56,180 $72,800 +82%
204 Civil Engineers $70,050 $98,700 $127,090 +81%
205 Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $47,180 $58,340 $85,510 +81%
206 Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $34,950 $35,760 $63,270 +81%
207 Speech-Language Pathologists $54,740 $65,680 $98,810 +81%
208 Pediatricians, General $212,910 $257,610 $385,810 +81%
209 First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $35,680 $44,470 $64,430 +81%
210 Electricians $44,320 $61,390 $80,060 +81%
211 Home Appliance Repairers $34,200 $47,340 $62,030 +81%
212 Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $37,750 $47,980 $68,290 +81%
213 Packers and Packagers, Hand $24,110 $28,760 $43,560 +81%
214 Architectural and Engineering Managers $116,320 $164,330 $209,210 +80%
215 Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $50,110 $63,790 $90,180 +80%
216 Urban and Regional Planners $51,670 $71,180 $92,760 +80%
217 Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $50,750 $64,210 $91,260 +80%
218 Commercial and Industrial Designers $43,840 $60,110 $78,850 +80%
219 Crossing Guards and Flaggers $29,680 $46,940 $53,280 +80%
220 Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $43,780 $47,840 $78,940 +80%
221 Office Clerks, General $28,390 $38,560 $51,080 +80%
222 Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $35,530 $48,330 $63,840 +80%
223 Construction Managers $90,210 $118,380 $161,440 +79%
224 Social and Community Service Managers $65,660 $86,870 $117,590 +79%
225 Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $58,160 $78,900 $104,190 +79%
226 Social Science Research Assistants $28,260 $44,820 $50,670 +79%
227 Healthcare Social Workers $43,750 $57,510 $78,420 +79%
228 Customer Service Representatives $31,050 $40,650 $55,680 +79%
229 Etchers and Engravers $32,210 $40,590 $57,570 +79%
230 Facilities Managers $75,630 $101,280 $134,560 +78%
231 Landscape Architects $64,690 $70,620 $114,910 +78%
232 Architectural and Civil Drafters $41,070 $52,470 $72,940 +78%
233 Dietitians and Nutritionists $50,260 $64,890 $88,710 +77%
234 Parts Salespersons $34,880 $45,370 $61,820 +77%
235 Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $31,520 $43,680 $55,680 +77%
236 Fence Erectors $35,220 $48,380 $62,330 +77%
237 Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $31,970 $46,840 $56,560 +77%
238 Training and Development Managers $84,340 $124,150 $148,590 +76%
239 Photographers $31,150 $45,330 $54,750 +76%
240 Tree Trimmers and Pruners $40,040 $50,430 $70,650 +76%
241 Billing and Posting Clerks $31,300 $46,180 $54,970 +76%
242 Food Batchmakers $32,180 $39,200 $56,640 +76%
243 Web Developers $40,120 $51,100 $70,410 +75%
244 Pest Control Workers $39,460 $49,920 $68,950 +75%
245 Brokerage Clerks $47,710 $56,080 $83,650 +75%
246 Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $32,820 $45,150 $57,300 +75%
247 Carpenters $37,720 $48,140 $65,890 +75%
248 Tile and Stone Setters $38,660 $50,640 $67,830 +75%
249 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $51,160 $75,750 $89,360 +75%
250 Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $43,310 $68,090 $75,770 +75%
251 Computer Network Support Specialists $42,100 $53,650 $73,360 +74%
252 Animal Control Workers $32,670 $45,530 $56,900 +74%
253 Motorcycle Mechanics $37,310 $46,490 $65,040 +74%
254 Bakers $28,880 $38,340 $50,360 +74%
255 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $46,320 $62,730 $80,580 +74%
256 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $27,380 $32,950 $47,700 +74%
257 Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $45,150 $53,670 $77,980 +73%
258 English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $49,200 $62,960 $85,340 +73%
259 Medical Equipment Preparers $31,680 $42,330 $54,680 +73%
260 Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $36,640 $47,160 $63,380 +73%
261 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $45,500 $58,120 $78,810 +73%
262 Database Administrators $64,140 $82,540 $110,130 +72%
263 Child, Family, and School Social Workers $39,150 $51,100 $67,310 +72%
264 Paralegals and Legal Assistants $48,890 $58,320 $84,090 +72%
265 Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $60,430 $81,080 $103,830 +72%
266 Radiation Therapists $80,140 $97,470 $138,030 +72%
267 Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $37,340 $50,150 $64,180 +72%
268 First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $55,120 $73,040 $94,760 +72%
269 Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $48,800 $66,650 $83,930 +72%
270 Computer User Support Specialists $37,720 $48,260 $64,550 +71%
271 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $39,210 $53,650 $67,010 +71%
272 First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $67,200 $72,420 $115,210 +71%
273 Procurement Clerks $34,870 $46,690 $59,800 +71%
274 Receptionists and Information Clerks $27,920 $38,280 $47,860 +71%
275 Roofers $34,550 $47,710 $59,200 +71%
276 Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $46,750 $62,140 $79,880 +71%
277 Rail Car Repairers $46,250 $71,750 $79,060 +71%
278 Wind Turbine Service Technicians $46,350 $73,820 $79,300 +71%
279 Property Appraisers and Assessors $46,740 $63,350 $79,640 +70%
280 Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $59,740 $72,580 $101,620 +70%
281 Technical Writers $49,490 $63,350 $84,090 +70%
282 Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters $34,310 $49,150 $58,240 +70%
283 Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $36,090 $43,240 $61,460 +70%
284 Health Education Specialists $46,400 $57,370 $78,360 +69%
285 Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $34,680 $40,190 $58,600 +69%
286 Travel Agents $36,700 $44,510 $61,840 +69%
287 Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $34,490 $43,850 $58,260 +69%
288 Helpers--Carpenters $27,420 $34,700 $46,370 +69%
289 Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $37,930 $47,240 $64,070 +69%
290 Bill and Account Collectors $35,190 $46,620 $59,140 +68%
291 Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $35,890 $45,820 $60,320 +68%
292 Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $37,340 $48,100 $62,720 +68%
293 Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $35,500 $44,700 $59,570 +68%
294 Lodging Managers $48,690 $61,920 $81,160 +67%
295 Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $36,520 $43,860 $60,990 +67%
296 Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $31,070 $41,740 $51,870 +67%
297 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $43,890 $53,370 $73,170 +67%
298 Dental Laboratory Technicians $39,420 $48,370 $65,990 +67%
299 Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $47,120 $60,880 $78,340 +66%
300 Editors $47,770 $56,730 $79,180 +66%
301 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $40,770 $52,750 $67,700 +66%
302 Medical Transcriptionists $36,160 $46,070 $59,870 +66%
303 Cooks, Short Order $27,950 $32,380 $46,440 +66%
304 Residential Advisors $29,070 $38,420 $48,210 +66%
305 Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $35,730 $46,340 $59,140 +66%
306 Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $38,780 $47,680 $64,350 +66%
307 Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $30,180 $42,260 $50,080 +66%
308 Painters, Construction and Maintenance $35,900 $48,160 $59,560 +66%
309 Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $34,770 $41,580 $57,660 +66%
310 Butchers and Meat Cutters $33,830 $37,310 $56,060 +66%
311 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $38,100 $49,440 $63,380 +66%
312 Sewing Machine Operators $28,350 $39,000 $47,030 +66%
313 Stockers and Order Fillers $27,730 $37,650 $46,020 +66%
314 Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians $38,540 $53,960 $63,400 +65%
315 Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $50,190 $71,300 $83,000 +65%
316 Animal Caretakers $27,260 $30,390 $44,960 +65%
317 Gambling Cage Workers $27,170 $33,300 $44,940 +65%
318 Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $31,200 $41,700 $51,480 +65%
319 Pipelayers $36,560 $50,650 $60,300 +65%
320 Structural Iron and Steel Workers $45,380 $57,050 $74,800 +65%
321 Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters $52,870 $56,780 $87,060 +65%
322 Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $37,350 $45,110 $61,770 +65%
323 Mechanical Drafters $41,760 $52,610 $68,620 +64%
324 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $53,410 $65,890 $87,640 +64%
325 Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $59,160 $66,630 $97,260 +64%
326 Public Safety Telecommunicators $36,960 $47,900 $60,310 +63%
327 Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $40,700 $50,530 $66,450 +63%
328 Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $30,380 $44,430 $49,370 +63%
329 Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $42,930 $55,170 $70,110 +63%
330 First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $60,200 $77,690 $97,940 +63%
331 Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $37,040 $45,040 $60,220 +63%
332 Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $36,840 $46,060 $59,950 +63%
333 Airfield Operations Specialists $30,460 $37,860 $49,560 +63%
334 Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $29,670 $41,590 $48,430 +63%
335 Occupational Therapists $65,820 $85,050 $106,520 +62%
336 Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $30,140 $39,900 $48,720 +62%
337 Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $39,910 $50,750 $64,720 +62%
338 Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $37,780 $47,410 $61,080 +62%
339 Foresters $50,110 $64,460 $80,700 +61%
340 Food Science Technicians $33,790 $48,760 $54,440 +61%
341 Social and Human Service Assistants $29,850 $38,350 $48,120 +61%
342 Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $26,810 $31,980 $43,070 +61%
343 Cargo and Freight Agents $49,730 $64,340 $80,160 +61%
344 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $47,260 $59,500 $75,880 +61%
345 Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $79,630 $101,830 $128,450 +61%
346 Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $31,710 $39,060 $51,200 +61%
347 Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $31,340 $38,980 $50,420 +61%
348 Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $29,100 $35,370 $46,700 +60%
349 Manicurists and Pedicurists $34,280 $45,310 $54,850 +60%
350 Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $34,410 $45,610 $54,900 +60%
351 Industrial Machinery Mechanics $48,510 $61,560 $77,680 +60%
352 Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $35,040 $48,410 $56,230 +60%
353 Tool and Die Makers $43,830 $59,770 $69,940 +60%
354 Furniture Finishers $31,290 $39,340 $50,080 +60%
355 Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $40,970 $48,200 $65,510 +60%
356 Crane and Tower Operators $58,370 $71,000 $93,600 +60%
357 Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $41,560 $51,830 $65,990 +59%
358 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $51,360 $63,380 $81,890 +59%
359 Physical Therapist Assistants $40,120 $49,310 $63,930 +59%
360 Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $30,220 $35,860 $48,160 +59%
361 Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $32,260 $38,000 $51,260 +59%
362 Mechanical Door Repairers $45,760 $50,500 $72,800 +59%
363 Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $34,420 $40,750 $54,850 +59%
364 Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $38,390 $50,780 $60,980 +59%
365 Environmental Engineers $78,890 $98,890 $124,350 +58%
366 Massage Therapists $35,720 $52,000 $56,310 +58%
367 Dental Assistants $38,190 $47,900 $60,310 +58%
368 Highway Maintenance Workers $39,030 $48,610 $61,490 +58%
369 Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $46,360 $55,690 $73,130 +58%
370 Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $36,270 $46,910 $57,310 +58%
371 Farm and Home Management Educators $49,350 $60,440 $77,270 +57%
372 Firefighters $39,240 $48,160 $61,420 +57%
373 Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $30,530 $37,580 $47,820 +57%
374 Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $36,670 $45,950 $57,640 +57%
375 Surveying and Mapping Technicians $39,680 $50,050 $61,740 +56%
376 News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $32,610 $43,520 $50,940 +56%
377 Emergency Medical Technicians $31,130 $36,800 $48,460 +56%
378 Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $36,450 $42,430 $56,730 +56%
379 Funeral Attendants $30,800 $37,170 $47,940 +56%
380 Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $36,810 $40,040 $57,300 +56%
381 Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $31,280 $39,270 $48,890 +56%
382 Food Service Managers $50,880 $60,640 $79,010 +55%
383 Agricultural Technicians $34,930 $41,420 $54,170 +55%
384 Community Health Workers $39,230 $45,700 $60,630 +55%
385 Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $80,490 $98,220 $124,620 +55%
386 Tour and Travel Guides $29,780 $35,100 $46,080 +55%
387 Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $37,540 $47,790 $58,300 +55%
388 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $48,420 $61,390 $75,190 +55%
389 Machinists $39,280 $50,890 $60,840 +55%
390 Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders $36,030 $45,520 $55,870 +55%
391 Film and Video Editors $35,360 $39,090 $54,460 +54%
392 Opticians, Dispensing $32,390 $43,400 $49,730 +54%
393 Correctional Officers and Jailers $43,240 $53,040 $66,390 +54%
394 Chefs and Head Cooks $37,450 $48,470 $57,820 +54%
395 Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $28,970 $35,480 $44,740 +54%
396 Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $48,880 $61,570 $75,280 +54%
397 Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $54,080 $66,730 $83,260 +54%
398 Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $39,740 $49,620 $61,200 +54%
399 Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $28,100 $32,780 $43,330 +54%
400 Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $29,370 $36,050 $45,240 +54%
401 Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $27,910 $35,050 $43,040 +54%
402 Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $82,440 $97,700 $126,190 +53%
403 Pharmacy Technicians $37,220 $46,170 $56,800 +53%
404 Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $36,550 $46,320 $55,760 +53%
405 Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $47,890 $64,500 $73,150 +53%
406 Transportation Security Screeners $45,640 $55,530 $69,240 +52%
407 Dishwashers $24,230 $28,190 $36,750 +52%
408 Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $49,220 $60,140 $74,660 +52%
409 Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $55,200 $60,100 $83,570 +51%
410 Art Directors $56,730 $66,610 $85,530 +51%
411 Writers and Authors $45,760 $56,700 $68,890 +51%
412 Physician Assistants $104,660 $133,200 $158,020 +51%
413 Nurse Practitioners $103,080 $128,840 $156,000 +51%
414 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $30,140 $36,730 $45,650 +51%
415 Bus Drivers, School $33,480 $39,730 $50,530 +51%
416 Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $71,720 $91,540 $107,720 +50%
417 Database Architects $95,060 $136,540 $142,980 +50%
418 Helpers--Electricians $30,510 $35,620 $45,760 +50%
419 Print Binding and Finishing Workers $35,220 $41,350 $52,880 +50%
420 Education Teachers, Postsecondary $55,550 $63,350 $82,690 +49%
421 Cooks, Restaurant $30,140 $36,220 $44,990 +49%
422 Loan Interviewers and Clerks $38,800 $47,000 $58,000 +49%
423 Construction Laborers $35,180 $45,710 $52,350 +49%
424 Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $41,600 $48,250 $61,980 +49%
425 Biological Technicians $38,170 $41,300 $56,620 +48%
426 Pharmacists $112,200 $146,790 $166,340 +48%
427 Exercise Physiologists $48,390 $51,630 $71,540 +48%
428 Nurse Anesthetists $194,200 $263,930 $287,650 +48%
429 Nursing Assistants $31,110 $38,800 $46,100 +48%
430 First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $34,350 $40,640 $50,670 +48%
431 Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers $52,830 $63,620 $78,000 +48%
432 Avionics Technicians $61,510 $83,220 $90,810 +48%
433 Animal Trainers $30,530 $38,120 $44,780 +47%
434 Forest and Conservation Workers $34,380 $38,210 $50,640 +47%
435 Millwrights $50,790 $61,820 $74,600 +47%
436 Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $74,770 $88,390 $109,270 +46%
437 Chemical Technicians $41,530 $49,030 $60,430 +46%
438 Home Health and Personal Care Aides $32,500 $37,740 $47,320 +46%
439 Food Preparation Workers $26,510 $30,430 $38,580 +46%
440 First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $39,560 $47,720 $57,780 +46%
441 Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $25,430 $30,020 $37,230 +46%
442 Helpers--Extraction Workers $36,330 $45,250 $53,140 +46%
443 Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $25,380 $30,310 $36,800 +45%
444 Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $48,310 $57,160 $70,100 +45%
445 Conveyor Operators and Tenders $36,180 $44,890 $52,480 +45%
446 Marriage and Family Therapists $37,060 $44,870 $53,420 +44%
447 Phlebotomists $31,360 $39,560 $45,240 +44%
448 First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $61,890 $77,400 $88,820 +44%
449 Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $83,270 $116,320 $120,090 +44%
450 Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $51,630 $62,280 $73,820 +43%
451 Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $24,800 $28,220 $35,410 +43%
452 Childcare Workers $26,500 $27,940 $37,840 +43%
453 Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $35,510 $43,930 $50,770 +43%
454 Order Clerks $38,370 $48,010 $54,890 +43%
455 Power Distributors and Dispatchers $99,650 $130,270 $142,960 +43%
456 Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $33,440 $43,860 $47,850 +43%
457 Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers $30,200 $31,550 $42,950 +42%
458 Floral Designers $32,280 $33,910 $45,670 +41%
459 Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $35,780 $45,300 $50,440 +41%
460 Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $27,890 $29,950 $39,220 +41%
461 Baggage Porters and Bellhops $26,520 $27,490 $37,440 +41%
462 First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $51,800 $57,880 $73,070 +41%
463 Carpet Installers $35,220 $40,420 $49,510 +41%
464 Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $43,620 $52,520 $61,370 +41%
465 Audiologists $77,860 $91,190 $108,950 +40%
466 Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $27,110 $29,920 $37,960 +40%
467 Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $42,400 $48,850 $59,380 +40%
468 Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $29,810 $36,310 $41,710 +40%
469 Bartenders $27,400 $29,400 $38,180 +39%
470 Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $31,330 $36,500 $43,470 +39%
471 Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $37,220 $43,180 $51,870 +39%
472 Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $45,610 $54,810 $63,020 +38%
473 Physical Therapists $77,890 $92,660 $107,870 +38%
474 Waiters and Waitresses $27,030 $28,990 $37,290 +38%
475 Agricultural Equipment Operators $38,480 $48,060 $53,250 +38%
476 Slaughterers and Meat Packers $34,950 $44,410 $48,080 +38%
477 Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $38,400 $46,040 $52,900 +38%
478 Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders $33,830 $44,770 $46,820 +38%
479 Cooks, Fast Food $25,410 $30,950 $34,910 +37%
480 Glaziers $42,920 $47,140 $58,700 +37%
481 Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $25,560 $27,840 $34,700 +36%
482 Medical Assistants $35,980 $41,870 $48,960 +36%
483 Tire Repairers and Changers $34,410 $38,800 $46,900 +36%
484 Athletic Trainers $47,630 $58,620 $64,130 +35%
485 Couriers and Messengers $30,260 $31,650 $40,910 +35%
486 Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $39,270 $45,810 $53,120 +35%
487 Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $35,730 $44,290 $48,150 +35%
488 Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $39,720 $44,980 $53,800 +35%
489 Parking Attendants $29,870 $34,220 $40,360 +35%
490 Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $58,760 $66,870 $78,540 +34%
491 Dental Hygienists $73,480 $92,210 $98,290 +34%
492 Funeral Home Managers $77,900 $100,880 $103,300 +33%
493 Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $26,760 $30,990 $35,610 +33%
494 Gambling Dealers $30,090 $36,190 $40,070 +33%
495 Amusement and Recreation Attendants $26,730 $29,730 $35,440 +33%
496 Cashiers $27,320 $29,780 $36,400 +33%
497 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $47,130 $51,050 $62,040 +32%
498 Pharmacy Aides $33,400 $36,130 $44,040 +32%
499 Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $38,530 $45,930 $50,680 +32%
500 Chemical Plant and System Operators $49,790 $59,970 $65,640 +32%
501 Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $46,990 $56,070 $61,500 +31%
502 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $47,300 $51,090 $61,740 +31%
503 Logging Equipment Operators $45,170 $58,740 $59,330 +31%
504 Fast Food and Counter Workers $27,880 $29,490 $36,380 +30%
505 Locomotive Engineers $62,730 $69,180 $81,640 +30%
506 Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $46,520 $49,410 $59,910 +29%
507 Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $47,000 $50,980 $60,790 +29%
508 Special Education Teachers, Middle School $46,680 $51,360 $60,120 +29%
509 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $28,390 $34,700 $36,700 +29%
510 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $61,290 $71,150 $78,560 +28%
511 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $47,120 $50,130 $60,180 +28%
512 Tellers $35,820 $38,460 $46,020 +28%
513 Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners $29,010 $30,620 $36,710 +27%
514 Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $28,440 $30,550 $36,010 +27%
515 Data Entry Keyers $31,300 $34,320 $39,630 +27%
516 Animal Breeders $38,480 $44,850 $48,750 +27%
517 Roustabouts, Oil and Gas $48,710 $50,370 $61,190 +26%
518 Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers $44,810 $46,890 $56,360 +26%
519 Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $46,400 $48,830 $58,320 +26%
520 Machine Feeders and Offbearers $34,690 $39,310 $43,720 +26%
521 Gas Plant Operators $83,530 $101,450 $104,660 +25%
522 Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners $63,610 $75,210 $78,960 +24%
523 Private Detectives and Investigators $40,050 $44,840 $49,560 +24%
524 Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas $46,060 $49,920 $57,010 +24%
525 Bicycle Repairers $28,770 $31,500 $35,810 +24%
526 Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $47,400 $51,420 $58,030 +22%
527 Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $36,240 $38,860 $43,470 +20%
528 File Clerks $31,930 $36,640 $37,900 +19%
529 Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $26,710 $29,430 $31,000 +16%
530 Credit Counselors $45,400 $48,890 $51,980 +14%
531 Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $28,960 $29,190 $32,780 +13%
532 School Bus Monitors $32,820 $34,380 $35,650 +9%
533 Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric $208,110 $211,990 $215,770 +4%
534 Demonstrators and Product Promoters $28,460 $29,560 $29,560 +4%

Frequently Asked Questions About Career Progression in South Dakota

What jobs have the highest salary growth in South Dakota?

The job with the highest career growth premium in South Dakota is Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents at 374% — from $47,750 entry-level to $226,210 senior. South Dakota has 534 occupations with full career progression data.

What is the average career salary growth in South Dakota?

The average career growth premium across all 534 tracked occupations in South Dakota is 80%. This measures the percentage increase from entry-level (P10) to senior (P90) salary.

How many jobs with career progression data are tracked in South Dakota?

We track career progression data for 534 occupations in South Dakota, using 2025 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data.

What does entry-level vs senior salary mean?

Entry-level salary uses the 10th percentile (P10) from BLS data — 90% of workers earn more. Senior salary uses the 90th percentile (P90) — only 10% earn above this. The career growth premium is the percentage increase from P10 to P90.

Which states have the highest career salary growth?

Career growth premiums vary significantly by state and occupation. Use our national Career Progression hub to compare across all states, or explore individual job pages for state-by-state breakdowns.

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 (South Dakota). P10 = 10th percentile (entry-level), P90 = 90th percentile (senior). Career growth premium = (P90 - P10) / P10 × 100%. Our Methodology · Data Sources

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