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Food Preparation Workers Salary in South Dakota
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in South Dakota?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$30,430
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.0% vs 2024
$31,630
Mean Salary
$30,430
Median Salary
$14.63
Hourly Rate
3,270 people work as Food Preparation Workers in South Dakota
Food Preparation Workers salary by percentile in South Dakota
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Food Preparation Workers in South Dakota earn a median salary of $30,430 per year ($2,535/month).
This is 9.4% below the national average of $33,596.
South Dakota ranks #39 out of 51 states for Food Preparation Workers pay.
Approximately 3,270 people work in this occupation across South Dakota.
Salaries increased by 2.0% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Food Preparation Workers
Perform a variety of food preparation duties other than cooking, such as preparing cold foods and shellfish, slicing meat, and brewing coffee or tea.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Social Perceptiveness
3.0
Coordination
3.0
Service Orientation
3.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.39
Administration and Management
3.19
Public Safety and Security
2.99
Food Production
2.93
English Language
2.91
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(44.6% of workers)
Salary Range: Food Preparation Workers in South Dakota
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in South Dakota range from $26,510 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $38,580 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $28,170 and $34,140.
Median $30,430
P10: $26,510P25: $28,170P75: $34,140P90: $38,580
10th
$26,510
25th
$28,170
Median
$30,430
75th
$34,140
90th
$38,580
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$26,510
$12.75
$2,209
25th Percentile
$28,170
$13.54
$2,347
Median (50th)
$30,430
$14.63
$2,535
75th Percentile
$34,140
$16.41
$2,845
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$38,580
$18.55
$3,215
Note: The mean (average) salary of $31,630 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Food Preparation Workers make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Food Preparation Workers in South Dakota is $30,430 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $31,630.
What is the salary range for a Food Preparation Workers in South Dakota?
Salaries for Food Preparation Workers in South Dakota range from $26,510 at the 10th percentile to $38,580 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $28,170 and $34,140.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in South Dakota?
Entry-level Food Preparation Workers positions in South Dakota typically start around $26,510 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $28,170 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Food Preparation Workers in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 3,270 people are employed as Food Preparation Workers in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Food Preparation Workers in South Dakota is approximately $14.63 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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