Employment Outlook in South Dakota: Job Demand by Occupation (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What jobs employ the most people in South Dakota? Explore total employment across 527+ occupations in South Dakota. Find the most common jobs by headcount, average compensation, and employment density based on 2025 BLS data.

527
Occupations Tracked
445,790
South Dakota Total Employed
2025
BLS Data Year

Top 10: Occupations with Highest Employment in South Dakota

These are the most common occupations in South Dakota by total employment count. Click any job to see state-specific employment figures, salary data, and how the occupation compares to the national average.

#1 in SD
Fast Food and Counter Workers
Employed in SD
15,150
#2 in SD
Registered Nurses
Employed in SD
14,710
#3 in SD
Retail Salespersons
Employed in SD
14,180
#4 in SD
Cashiers
Employed in SD
12,860
#5 in SD
Stockers and Order Fillers
Employed in SD
11,460
#6 in SD
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Employed in SD
10,200
#7 in SD
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Employed in SD
8,630
#8 in SD
Waiters and Waitresses
Employed in SD
7,350
#9 in SD
Nursing Assistants
Employed in SD
6,860
#10 in SD
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Employed in SD
6,470

All 527 Occupations in South Dakota by Employment

Complete list of all occupations sorted by employment in South Dakota (highest to lowest). Click any job title to view detailed state employment figures, salary information, and national comparisons.

# Job Title Employed in SD Avg Salary % of SD Workforce
1 Fast Food and Counter Workers 15,150 $30,900 3.4%
2 Registered Nurses 14,710 $77,140 3.3%
3 Retail Salespersons 14,180 $39,720 3.18%
4 Cashiers 12,860 $31,320 2.88%
5 Stockers and Order Fillers 11,460 $37,000 2.57%
6 Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks 10,200 $46,630 2.29%
7 Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners 8,630 $36,360 1.94%
8 Waiters and Waitresses 7,350 $30,860 1.65%
9 Nursing Assistants 6,860 $39,510 1.54%
10 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers 6,470 $58,550 1.45%
11 Customer Service Representatives 6,120 $42,940 1.37%
12 Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive 6,120 $42,030 1.37%
13 Accountants and Auditors 5,820 $85,030 1.31%
14 Receptionists and Information Clerks 5,760 $38,420 1.29%
15 Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products 5,220 $81,270 1.17%
16 Light Truck Drivers 4,820 $44,100 1.08%
17 Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary 4,650 $29,520 1.04%
18 Carpenters 4,560 $51,330 1.02%
19 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education 4,290 $52,680 0.96%
20 General and Operations Managers 4,280 $153,020 0.96%
21 Home Health and Personal Care Aides 4,210 $39,260 0.94%
22 Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators 3,960 $45,120 0.89%
23 Bartenders 3,930 $31,940 0.88%
24 Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand 3,820 $41,290 0.86%
25 First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers 3,660 $61,860 0.82%
26 Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners 3,540 $31,990 0.79%
27 Maintenance and Repair Workers, General 3,450 $49,790 0.77%
28 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 3,360 $53,960 0.75%
29 Food Preparation Workers 3,270 $31,630 0.73%
30 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers 3,250 $51,980 0.73%
31 Management Analysts 2,980 $92,440 0.67%
32 Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers 2,980 $36,600 0.67%
33 Electricians 2,980 $61,980 0.67%
34 First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers 2,920 $42,530 0.66%
35 Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks 2,740 $43,560 0.61%
36 Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers 2,550 $31,550 0.57%
37 Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers 2,550 $48,800 0.57%
38 Software Developers 2,380 $104,790 0.53%
39 Childcare Workers 2,370 $29,720 0.53%
40 First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers 2,360 $78,970 0.53%
41 Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 2,130 $53,290 0.48%
42 Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria 2,120 $37,630 0.48%
43 Parts Salespersons 2,100 $46,410 0.47%
44 Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers 2,080 $44,140 0.47%
45 Child, Family, and School Social Workers 2,050 $53,320 0.46%
46 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses 2,050 $54,990 0.46%
47 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators 2,050 $59,330 0.46%
48 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics 2,010 $55,660 0.45%
49 Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers 2,000 $64,320 0.45%
50 Cooks, Short Order 2,000 $34,180 0.45%
51 Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators 1,940 $48,730 0.44%
52 First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers 1,930 $73,610 0.43%
53 Cooks, Restaurant 1,890 $36,720 0.42%
54 Insurance Sales Agents 1,870 $82,200 0.42%
55 Amusement and Recreation Attendants 1,850 $30,510 0.41%
56 Loan Officers 1,820 $85,970 0.41%
57 Highway Maintenance Workers 1,800 $50,470 0.4%
58 Residential Advisors 1,780 $38,540 0.4%
59 Construction Laborers 1,780 $44,310 0.4%
60 Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks 1,760 $31,830 0.39%
61 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 1,760 $55,530 0.39%
62 First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers 1,750 $64,100 0.39%
63 First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers 1,750 $82,680 0.39%
64 Cooks, Fast Food 1,720 $31,230 0.39%
65 Office Clerks, General 1,720 $39,100 0.39%
66 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors 1,710 $54,760 0.38%
67 Loan Interviewers and Clerks 1,710 $47,600 0.38%
68 Network and Computer Systems Administrators 1,690 $78,680 0.38%
69 Substitute Teachers, Short-Term 1,610 $29,220 0.36%
70 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers 1,610 $61,100 0.36%
71 Tellers 1,560 $40,260 0.35%
72 Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists 1,530 $73,980 0.34%
73 Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment 1,510 $34,520 0.34%
74 Correctional Officers and Jailers 1,490 $53,260 0.33%
75 Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education 1,470 $42,440 0.33%
76 Security Guards 1,460 $40,250 0.33%
77 Civil Engineers 1,440 $99,500 0.32%
78 Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators 1,420 $52,790 0.32%
79 Lawyers 1,360 $132,270 0.31%
80 Human Resources Specialists 1,340 $74,450 0.3%
81 Medical Assistants 1,340 $42,170 0.3%
82 Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists 1,340 $59,480 0.3%
83 First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors 1,340 $64,760 0.3%
84 Project Management Specialists 1,310 $88,360 0.29%
85 Coaches and Scouts 1,290 $44,290 0.29%
86 Dental Assistants 1,290 $50,170 0.29%
87 Bus Drivers, School 1,290 $41,380 0.29%
88 Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers 1,280 $53,970 0.29%
89 Pharmacists 1,280 $142,330 0.29%
90 Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians 1,280 $60,940 0.29%
91 Food Service Managers 1,270 $63,920 0.28%
92 Computer User Support Specialists 1,240 $50,470 0.28%
93 Dishwashers 1,240 $29,220 0.28%
94 Pharmacy Technicians 1,230 $45,750 0.28%
95 Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants 1,230 $56,200 0.28%
96 Industrial Machinery Mechanics 1,230 $62,610 0.28%
97 Buyers and Purchasing Agents 1,180 $78,690 0.26%
98 Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 1,150 $49,640 0.26%
99 Medical and Health Services Managers 1,140 $130,720 0.26%
100 Compliance Officers 1,130 $80,090 0.25%
101 Bill and Account Collectors 1,120 $45,750 0.25%
102 Computer Systems Analysts 1,110 $106,040 0.25%
103 Animal Caretakers 1,110 $33,700 0.25%
104 Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers 1,090 $49,990 0.24%
105 Construction Managers 1,070 $123,320 0.24%
106 Physical Therapists 1,060 $93,200 0.24%
107 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators 1,060 $55,750 0.24%
108 Driver/Sales Workers 1,050 $46,950 0.24%
109 Packers and Packagers, Hand 1,040 $32,400 0.23%
110 Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators 1,030 $81,510 0.23%
111 Cost Estimators 1,030 $79,200 0.23%
112 Nurse Practitioners 1,020 $125,160 0.23%
113 Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks 1,020 $44,310 0.23%
114 Financial Managers 1,000 $172,430 0.22%
115 Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors 1,000 $53,980 0.22%
116 Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders 1,000 $42,880 0.22%
117 Radiologic Technologists and Technicians 980 $69,740 0.22%
118 Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers 980 $44,310 0.22%
119 Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors 950 $42,850 0.21%
120 Court, Municipal, and License Clerks 920 $44,750 0.21%
121 Medical Records Specialists 900 $54,380 0.2%
122 Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance 860 $43,860 0.19%
123 Postal Service Mail Carriers 850 $61,420 0.19%
124 Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 840 $42,670 0.19%
125 Industrial Engineers 830 $97,100 0.19%
126 Social and Human Service Assistants 830 $39,110 0.19%
127 Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines 830 $69,470 0.19%
128 Machinists 830 $51,860 0.19%
129 Financial and Investment Analysts 820 $120,230 0.18%
130 Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians 820 $63,550 0.18%
131 Automotive Body and Related Repairers 800 $55,280 0.18%
132 Healthcare Social Workers 790 $59,640 0.18%
133 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School 790 $53,530 0.18%
134 Information Security Analysts 770 $120,750 0.17%
135 Billing and Posting Clerks 770 $44,980 0.17%
136 Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers 750 $33,710 0.17%
137 Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers 740 $94,900 0.17%
138 Slaughterers and Meat Packers 740 $43,070 0.17%
139 Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents 730 $111,920 0.16%
140 Industrial Production Managers 720 $117,070 0.16%
141 Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists 690 $48,310 0.15%
142 Counter and Rental Clerks 690 $36,870 0.15%
143 Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks 690 $52,760 0.15%
144 Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary 680 $91,960 0.15%
145 Physician Assistants 680 $131,910 0.15%
146 First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers 680 $113,980 0.15%
147 Painters, Construction and Maintenance 670 $47,710 0.15%
148 Food Batchmakers 660 $40,340 0.15%
149 Machine Feeders and Offbearers 660 $39,770 0.15%
150 Library Technicians 650 $33,950 0.15%
151 Recreation Workers 650 $44,200 0.15%
152 Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants 650 $36,440 0.15%
153 Real Estate Sales Agents 640 $69,510 0.14%
154 Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists 630 $67,890 0.14%
155 Dental Hygienists 630 $89,180 0.14%
156 Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop 630 $31,000 0.14%
157 Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel 630 $65,120 0.14%
158 Personal Financial Advisors 620 $175,820 0.14%
159 Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs 620 $35,630 0.14%
160 Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education 610 $51,640 0.14%
161 Firefighters 610 $51,180 0.14%
162 First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers 610 $48,320 0.14%
163 Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 610 $45,880 0.14%
164 Paralegals and Legal Assistants 600 $62,260 0.13%
165 Emergency Medical Technicians 600 $39,110 0.13%
166 Surgical Technologists 600 $58,390 0.13%
167 Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan 590 $42,930 0.13%
168 Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers 590 $53,090 0.13%
169 Mechanical Engineers 560 $95,080 0.13%
170 Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants 560 $47,760 0.13%
171 Family Medicine Physicians 550 $258,390 0.12%
172 Engine and Other Machine Assemblers 550 $44,630 0.12%
173 Electrical Engineers 530 $102,770 0.12%
174 Training and Development Specialists 520 $65,660 0.12%
175 Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers 520 $31,510 0.12%
176 Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers 520 $64,950 0.12%
177 Butchers and Meat Cutters 520 $41,060 0.12%
178 Chief Executives 510 $336,560 0.11%
179 Property Appraisers and Assessors 510 $64,440 0.11%
180 Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 510 $46,830 0.11%
181 Special Education Teachers, Secondary School 500 $54,290 0.11%
182 Instructional Coordinators 500 $62,420 0.11%
183 Conveyor Operators and Tenders 500 $43,820 0.11%
184 Librarians and Media Collections Specialists 490 $53,840 0.11%
185 Occupational Therapists 490 $88,150 0.11%
186 Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers 490 $31,370 0.11%
187 Forest and Conservation Workers 490 $41,060 0.11%
188 Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 490 $47,740 0.11%
189 Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing 490 $42,470 0.11%
190 Computer Network Support Specialists 480 $56,390 0.11%
191 Soil and Plant Scientists 480 $79,240 0.11%
192 Medical Equipment Preparers 480 $42,990 0.11%
193 Graphic Designers 470 $50,880 0.11%
194 Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs 470 $50,760 0.11%
195 Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment 470 $67,940 0.11%
196 Architectural and Civil Drafters 460 $55,530 0.1%
197 Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians 460 $61,270 0.1%
198 Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary 460 $42,710 0.1%
199 Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation 460 $45,420 0.1%
200 Printing Press Operators 460 $46,110 0.1%
201 Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 460 $46,700 0.1%
202 Sales Managers 450 $141,590 0.1%
203 Administrative Services Managers 450 $111,890 0.1%
204 Social and Community Service Managers 450 $90,180 0.1%
205 Tour and Travel Guides 440 $37,640 0.1%
206 Structural Iron and Steel Workers 440 $56,500 0.1%
207 Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters 440 $46,410 0.1%
208 Credit Analysts 430 $82,670 0.1%
209 Respiratory Therapists 430 $68,910 0.1%
210 Opticians, Dispensing 430 $42,560 0.1%
211 Human Resources Managers 420 $127,430 0.09%
212 Computer Network Architects 420 $151,620 0.09%
213 Public Safety Telecommunicators 420 $48,560 0.09%
214 Speech-Language Pathologists 410 $73,310 0.09%
215 Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity 410 $41,720 0.09%
216 Nurse Anesthetists 400 $249,720 0.09%
217 Roofers 400 $46,980 0.09%
218 Web Developers 390 $53,950 0.09%
219 Dentists, General 390 $164,030 0.09%
220 Advertising Sales Agents 390 $65,300 0.09%
221 Postal Service Clerks 390 $56,450 0.09%
222 Computer and Information Systems Managers 380 $168,550 0.09%
223 Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products 380 $41,090 0.09%
224 Facilities Managers 370 $104,360 0.08%
225 Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers 370 $107,970 0.08%
226 Rehabilitation Counselors 370 $54,400 0.08%
227 Diagnostic Medical Sonographers 370 $77,220 0.08%
228 Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks 370 $49,730 0.08%
229 Conservation Scientists 360 $76,060 0.08%
230 Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School 360 $55,040 0.08%
231 Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers 360 $50,750 0.08%
232 Tire Repairers and Changers 360 $40,950 0.08%
233 Agricultural Technicians 350 $44,030 0.08%
234 Forest and Conservation Technicians 350 $60,160 0.08%
235 Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary 350 $69,010 0.08%
236 Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners 340 $49,950 0.08%
237 First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers 340 $59,760 0.08%
238 First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers 340 $53,290 0.08%
239 Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall 340 $48,090 0.08%
240 Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors 340 $34,810 0.08%
241 Order Clerks 330 $47,550 0.07%
242 Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping 330 $43,590 0.07%
243 Helpers--Carpenters 330 $35,600 0.07%
244 Bakers 330 $39,050 0.07%
245 Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers 320 $43,220 0.07%
246 Phlebotomists 320 $39,590 0.07%
247 Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers 320 $29,470 0.07%
248 Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service 320 $38,250 0.07%
249 Brickmasons and Blockmasons 320 $61,030 0.07%
250 Sheet Metal Workers 320 $54,140 0.07%
251 Commercial Pilots 320 $94,070 0.07%
252 Architectural and Engineering Managers 310 $166,030 0.07%
253 Lodging Managers 310 $63,540 0.07%
254 Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians 310 $58,490 0.07%
255 Special Education Teachers, Middle School 310 $52,820 0.07%
256 Veterinary Technologists and Technicians 300 $43,660 0.07%
257 Ophthalmic Medical Technicians 300 $44,330 0.07%
258 Physical Therapist Assistants 300 $52,170 0.07%
259 Chefs and Head Cooks 300 $47,900 0.07%
260 Pipelayers 300 $49,800 0.07%
261 Helpers--Electricians 300 $36,940 0.07%
262 Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers 300 $58,290 0.07%
263 Sewing Machine Operators 300 $38,630 0.07%
264 Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers 290 $44,900 0.07%
265 Tax Preparers 280 $55,710 0.06%
266 Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists 280 $67,860 0.06%
267 Veterinarians 280 $93,990 0.06%
268 Paramedics 280 $48,290 0.06%
269 Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining 280 $50,850 0.06%
270 Community Health Workers 270 $49,030 0.06%
271 Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 270 $87,460 0.06%
272 Tree Trimmers and Pruners 270 $54,370 0.06%
273 Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 270 $50,950 0.06%
274 Business Teachers, Postsecondary 260 $83,150 0.06%
275 Chiropractors 260 $84,230 0.06%
276 Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood 260 $39,940 0.06%
277 Occupational Health and Safety Specialists 250 $87,900 0.06%
278 Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary 250 $74,120 0.06%
279 Tutors 250 $42,260 0.06%
280 Choreographers 250 $43,120 0.06%
281 Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers 250 $33,240 0.06%
282 Detectives and Criminal Investigators 250 $91,060 0.06%
283 Manicurists and Pedicurists 250 $44,720 0.06%
284 Education Administrators, Postsecondary 240 $138,640 0.05%
285 Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health 240 $72,470 0.05%
286 Medical Transcriptionists 240 $46,740 0.05%
287 Agricultural Equipment Operators 240 $47,470 0.05%
288 Millwrights 240 $61,230 0.05%
289 Parking Attendants 240 $35,550 0.05%
290 Biological Technicians 230 $46,460 0.05%
291 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 230 $53,400 0.05%
292 Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys 230 $41,920 0.05%
293 Interpreters and Translators 230 $56,360 0.05%
294 Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks 230 $37,130 0.05%
295 Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders 230 $51,430 0.05%
296 Marketing Managers 220 $172,390 0.05%
297 Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers 220 $73,260 0.05%
298 Data Scientists 220 $102,450 0.05%
299 Glaziers 220 $48,370 0.05%
300 Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers 220 $56,500 0.05%
301 Logisticians 210 $87,750 0.05%
302 Insurance Underwriters 210 $99,910 0.05%
303 Urban and Regional Planners 210 $74,900 0.05%
304 Public Relations Specialists 210 $71,890 0.05%
305 Dietitians and Nutritionists 210 $68,220 0.05%
306 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists 210 $77,670 0.05%
307 First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services 210 $47,640 0.05%
308 Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators 210 $62,850 0.05%
309 Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 210 $36,540 0.05%
310 Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians 200 $61,250 0.04%
311 Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 200 $66,920 0.04%
312 Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians 200 $73,750 0.04%
313 Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers 200 $55,200 0.04%
314 Travel Agents 200 $47,540 0.04%
315 Cargo and Freight Agents 200 $65,000 0.04%
316 Construction and Building Inspectors 200 $67,260 0.04%
317 Motorcycle Mechanics 200 $47,880 0.04%
318 Electronics Engineers, Except Computer 190 $98,210 0.04%
319 Health Education Specialists 190 $62,030 0.04%
320 Education Teachers, Postsecondary 190 $67,350 0.04%
321 Commercial and Industrial Designers 190 $61,970 0.04%
322 Floral Designers 190 $36,240 0.04%
323 News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists 190 $44,010 0.04%
324 Photographers 190 $43,740 0.04%
325 Optometrists 190 $118,060 0.04%
326 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives 190 $97,350 0.04%
327 Pest Control Workers 190 $53,490 0.04%
328 Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping 190 $45,870 0.04%
329 Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse 190 $41,310 0.04%
330 Hazardous Materials Removal Workers 190 $52,210 0.04%
331 Airfield Operations Specialists 190 $40,240 0.04%
332 Natural Sciences Managers 180 $137,210 0.04%
333 Architects, Except Landscape and Naval 180 $105,360 0.04%
334 Surveyors 180 $86,630 0.04%
335 Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers 180 $63,270 0.04%
336 Massage Therapists 180 $48,790 0.04%
337 Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles 180 $56,540 0.04%
338 Wind Turbine Service Technicians 180 $67,700 0.04%
339 Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters 180 $50,680 0.04%
340 Chemical Plant and System Operators 180 $58,440 0.04%
341 Database Administrators 170 $86,260 0.04%
342 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists 170 $69,120 0.04%
343 Chemists 170 $72,750 0.04%
344 Producers and Directors 170 $65,090 0.04%
345 Emergency Medicine Physicians 170 $335,490 0.04%
346 Gambling Dealers 170 $37,040 0.04%
347 Procurement Clerks 170 $47,310 0.04%
348 Fence Erectors 170 $48,010 0.04%
349 Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling 160 $80,170 0.04%
350 Computer Hardware Engineers 160 $110,880 0.04%
351 Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 160 $83,890 0.04%
352 General Internal Medicine Physicians 160 $331,820 0.04%
353 Food Servers, Nonrestaurant 160 $32,870 0.04%
354 Gambling Cage Workers 160 $35,010 0.04%
355 Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics 160 $44,020 0.04%
356 Mechanical Door Repairers 160 $53,680 0.04%
357 Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians 160 $29,940 0.04%
358 Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare 150 $61,330 0.03%
359 Financial Examiners 150 $98,690 0.03%
360 Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary 150 $78,350 0.03%
361 Interior Designers 150 $74,170 0.03%
362 Athletic Trainers 150 $57,880 0.03%
363 Pharmacy Aides 150 $37,680 0.03%
364 Skincare Specialists 150 $37,060 0.03%
365 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians 150 $75,360 0.03%
366 Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door 150 $89,270 0.03%
367 Medical Equipment Repairers 150 $74,210 0.03%
368 Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 150 $51,970 0.03%
369 Locomotive Engineers 150 $70,010 0.03%
370 Cartographers and Photogrammetrists 140 $71,660 0.03%
371 Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 140 $83,870 0.03%
372 Clergy 140 $60,180 0.03%
373 Self-Enrichment Teachers 140 $53,430 0.03%
374 Editors 140 $60,200 0.03%
375 Nuclear Medicine Technologists 140 $79,620 0.03%
376 Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars 140 $62,970 0.03%
377 School Bus Monitors 140 $34,330 0.03%
378 Financial Risk Specialists 130 $95,530 0.03%
379 Atmospheric and Space Scientists 130 $89,140 0.03%
380 Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary 130 $74,340 0.03%
381 Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric 130 $225,800 0.03%
382 Brokerage Clerks 130 $57,650 0.03%
383 Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators 130 $61,370 0.03%
384 Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 130 $40,130 0.03%
385 Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 130 $45,160 0.03%
386 Emergency Management Directors 120 $70,270 0.03%
387 Budget Analysts 120 $81,890 0.03%
388 Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents 120 $68,110 0.03%
389 Foresters 120 $65,670 0.03%
390 Clinical and Counseling Psychologists 120 $88,560 0.03%
391 Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 120 $103,500 0.03%
392 First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers 120 $81,140 0.03%
393 Funeral Attendants 120 $39,930 0.03%
394 Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners 120 $45,040 0.03%
395 Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders 120 $44,340 0.03%
396 Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders 120 $39,480 0.03%
397 Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 120 $47,190 0.03%
398 Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 120 $49,630 0.03%
399 Dental Laboratory Technicians 120 $52,040 0.03%
400 Crane and Tower Operators 120 $70,560 0.03%
401 Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians 110 $57,580 0.02%
402 Surveying and Mapping Technicians 110 $52,260 0.02%
403 School Psychologists 110 $83,490 0.02%
404 Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 110 $97,870 0.02%
405 English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 110 $65,870 0.02%
406 First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers 110 $60,790 0.02%
407 Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators 110 $62,120 0.02%
408 Print Binding and Finishing Workers 110 $42,330 0.02%
409 Furniture Finishers 110 $41,870 0.02%
410 Postmasters and Mail Superintendents 100 $91,960 0.02%
411 Labor Relations Specialists 100 $83,770 0.02%
412 Mechanical Drafters 100 $56,030 0.02%
413 Food Science Technicians 100 $46,220 0.02%
414 Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary 100 $67,450 0.02%
415 Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors 100 $45,080 0.02%
416 Occupational Therapy Assistants 100 $55,470 0.02%
417 Fish and Game Wardens 100 $67,080 0.02%
418 Sales Engineers 100 $117,580 0.02%
419 Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals 100 $41,300 0.02%
420 Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters 100 $46,840 0.02%
421 Home Appliance Repairers 100 $48,170 0.02%
422 Transportation Inspectors 100 $77,050 0.02%
423 Environmental Engineers 90 $99,360 0.02%
424 Animal Scientists 90 $79,940 0.02%
425 Food Scientists and Technologists 90 $87,850 0.02%
426 Chemical Technicians 90 $49,750 0.02%
427 Farm and Home Management Educators 90 $62,130 0.02%
428 Rail Car Repairers 90 $69,030 0.02%
429 Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians 90 $44,840 0.02%
430 Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators 90 $64,300 0.02%
431 Gas Plant Operators 90 $97,770 0.02%
432 Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers 90 $48,520 0.02%
433 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters 90 $61,410 0.02%
434 Fundraisers 80 $75,190 0.02%
435 Landscape Architects 80 $81,480 0.02%
436 Microbiologists 80 $75,990 0.02%
437 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers 80 $72,030 0.02%
438 Marriage and Family Therapists 80 $46,380 0.02%
439 Communications Teachers, Postsecondary 80 $69,050 0.02%
440 Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials 80 $38,730 0.02%
441 Obstetricians and Gynecologists 80 $307,380 0.02%
442 Pediatricians, General 80 $288,400 0.02%
443 First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers 80 $76,600 0.02%
444 First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers 80 $61,530 0.02%
445 Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators 80 $37,940 0.02%
446 Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners 80 $32,290 0.02%
447 Couriers and Messengers 80 $34,170 0.02%
448 Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants 80 $46,240 0.02%
449 Carpet Installers 80 $42,490 0.02%
450 Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas 80 $57,860 0.02%
451 Bicycle Repairers 80 $32,130 0.02%
452 Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers 80 $66,720 0.02%
453 Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders 80 $44,430 0.02%
454 Purchasing Managers 70 $135,990 0.02%
455 Funeral Home Managers 70 $94,040 0.02%
456 Computer Programmers 70 $67,940 0.02%
457 Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 70 $75,990 0.02%
458 Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary 70 $80,790 0.02%
459 Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary 70 $75,780 0.02%
460 Technical Writers 70 $65,090 0.02%
461 Radiologists 70 $534,640 0.02%
462 Physical Therapist Aides 70 $33,890 0.02%
463 Demonstrators and Product Promoters 70 $29,520 0.02%
464 Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators 70 $47,130 0.02%
465 Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 70 $45,290 0.02%
466 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health 60 $42,530 0.01%
467 Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary 60 $61,600 0.01%
468 Writers and Authors 60 $57,230 0.01%
469 Psychiatrists 60 $270,220 0.01%
470 Private Detectives and Investigators 60 $44,210 0.01%
471 Crossing Guards and Flaggers 60 $42,400 0.01%
472 Transportation Security Screeners 60 $56,310 0.01%
473 First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers 60 $48,670 0.01%
474 Helpers--Extraction Workers 60 $47,030 0.01%
475 Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers 60 $51,330 0.01%
476 Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers 60 $39,280 0.01%
477 Tool and Die Makers 60 $58,480 0.01%
478 Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders 60 $42,650 0.01%
479 Etchers and Engravers 60 $42,400 0.01%
480 Training and Development Managers 50 $123,100 0.01%
481 Directors, Religious Activities and Education 50 $49,260 0.01%
482 Curators 50 $74,800 0.01%
483 Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film 50 $50,620 0.01%
484 Animal Control Workers 50 $43,630 0.01%
485 Logging Equipment Operators 50 $55,770 0.01%
486 Solar Photovoltaic Installers 50 $53,180 0.01%
487 Maintenance Workers, Machinery 50 $47,040 0.01%
488 Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers 50 $48,140 0.01%
489 Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 50 $50,370 0.01%
490 Prepress Technicians and Workers 50 $44,980 0.01%
491 Database Architects 40 $124,430 0.01%
492 Electrical and Electronics Drafters 40 $55,670 0.01%
493 Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians 40 $53,110 0.01%
494 Anthropologists and Archeologists 40 $69,430 0.01%
495 Social Science Research Assistants 40 $41,910 0.01%
496 Economics Teachers, Postsecondary 40 $86,890 0.01%
497 Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary 40 $71,260 0.01%
498 Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary 40 $79,090 0.01%
499 Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary 40 $59,260 0.01%
500 Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners 40 $73,500 0.01%
501 Broadcast Technicians 40 $37,600 0.01%
502 Recreational Therapists 40 $53,620 0.01%
503 Audiologists 40 $92,960 0.01%
504 Orthotists and Prosthetists 40 $83,230 0.01%
505 Baggage Porters and Bellhops 40 $29,140 0.01%
506 Animal Breeders 40 $44,170 0.01%
507 Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas 40 $51,430 0.01%
508 Roustabouts, Oil and Gas 40 $54,400 0.01%
509 Avionics Technicians 40 $77,460 0.01%
510 Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay 40 $105,830 0.01%
511 Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders 40 $52,150 0.01%
512 Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers 40 $35,710 0.01%
513 Physicists 30 $108,270 0.01%
514 Forensic Science Technicians 30 $54,770 0.01%
515 Physics Teachers, Postsecondary 30 $84,720 0.01%
516 Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary 30 $76,540 0.01%
517 History Teachers, Postsecondary 30 $73,690 0.01%
518 Art Directors 30 $69,360 0.01%
519 Film and Video Editors 30 $42,630 0.01%
520 Exercise Physiologists 30 $57,010 0.01%
521 Animal Trainers 30 $38,100 0.01%
522 Data Entry Keyers 30 $35,590 0.01%
523 Tile and Stone Setters 30 $54,680 0.01%
524 Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers 30 $64,000 0.01%
525 Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians 30 $48,400 0.01%
526 Power Distributors and Dispatchers 30 $120,960 0.01%
527 Medical Appliance Technicians 30 $57,840 0.01%

Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota Employment

How many tracked jobs are in South Dakota?

South Dakota has employment data for 527 occupations totaling 445,790 workers.

What is the most-employed occupation in South Dakota?

Fast Food and Counter Workers with 15,150 workers.

Where does this data come from?

BLS OEWS, May 2025.

What jobs are in highest demand in South Dakota?

By employment volume, Fast Food and Counter Workers leads, followed by Registered Nurses.

How often is employment data updated?

BLS releases OEWS data annually, typically in March for the prior May reference period.

Data: BLS OEWS 2025. Employment figures represent workers in each occupation across South Dakota. Percentage of workforce = (State Employed / State Total Employment) × 100. Our Methodology · Data Sources

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