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Chefs and Head Cooks Salary in South Dakota
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in South Dakota?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$48,470
Median Annual Salary
▲
+4.2% vs 2024
$47,900
Mean Salary
$48,470
Median Salary
$23.30
Hourly Rate
300 people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in South Dakota
Chefs and Head Cooks salary by percentile in South Dakota
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Chefs and Head Cooks in South Dakota earn a median salary of $48,470 per year ($4,039/month).
This is 21.8% below the national average of $61,962.
South Dakota ranks #47 out of 51 states for Chefs and Head Cooks pay.
Approximately 300 people work in this occupation across South Dakota.
Salaries increased by 4.2% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Chefs and Head Cooks
Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.
Top Skills
Coordination
4.0
Speaking
3.88
Monitoring
3.88
Time Management
3.88
Active Listening
3.75
Key Knowledge Areas
Food Production
4.69
Customer and Personal Service
4.14
Production and Processing
4.04
Administration and Management
4.03
Personnel and Human Resources
3.96
Typical Education: Associate's Degree
(51.7% of workers)
Salary Range: Chefs and Head Cooks in South Dakota
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in South Dakota range from $37,450 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $57,820 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $39,650 and $51,870.
Median $48,470
P10: $37,450P25: $39,650P75: $51,870P90: $57,820
10th
$37,450
25th
$39,650
Median
$48,470
75th
$51,870
90th
$57,820
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$37,450
$18.00
$3,120
25th Percentile
$39,650
$19.06
$3,304
Median (50th)
$48,470
$23.30
$4,039
75th Percentile
$51,870
$24.94
$4,322
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$57,820
$27.80
$4,818
Note: The mean (average) salary of $47,900 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Chefs and Head Cooks make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Chefs and Head Cooks in South Dakota is $48,470 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $47,900.
What is the salary range for a Chefs and Head Cooks in South Dakota?
Salaries for Chefs and Head Cooks in South Dakota range from $37,450 at the 10th percentile to $57,820 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $39,650 and $51,870.
What is the starting salary for a Chefs and Head Cooks in South Dakota?
Entry-level Chefs and Head Cooks positions in South Dakota typically start around $37,450 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $39,650 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Chefs and Head Cooks in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 300 people are employed as Chefs and Head Cooks in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Chefs and Head Cooks in South Dakota is approximately $23.30 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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