268 Jobs That Pay Over $50K in South Dakota (2024)

There are 268 occupations in South Dakota with a median salary above $50K per year. The highest-paying is Pediatricians, General at $217,570/year. Based on 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024

$50K+ $75K+ $100K+ $150K+

268
Jobs Over $50K

$217,570

#1: Pediatricians, General

$75,240

Avg of Qualifying Jobs

145,180

Workers in These Jobs

All 268 Jobs Paying Over $50K in South Dakota

Ranked by median annual salary. Click any job to see the full salary breakdown.

#	Occupation	Median Salary	Mean Salary	Workers
1	Pediatricians, General	$217,570	$236,680	50
2	Family Medicine Physicians	$216,160	$212,300	520
3	Obstetricians and Gynecologists	$215,500	$235,000	80
4	Nurse Anesthetists	$210,390	$211,090	360
5	Sales Managers	$161,470	$174,950	520
6	Computer and Information Systems Managers	$161,460	$164,170	280
7	Computer Network Architects	$152,990	$154,370	740
8	Financial Managers	$152,690	$168,330	750
9	Architectural and Engineering Managers	$150,280	$153,850	210
10	Marketing Managers	$138,450	$151,850	100
11	Pharmacists	$135,500	$135,030	1,180
12	General and Operations Managers	$130,610	$144,880	4,180
13	Purchasing Managers	$126,310	$148,230	80
14	Dentists, General	$124,330	$142,830	280
15	Natural Sciences Managers	$121,980	$129,570	150
16	Physician Assistants	$121,070	$122,900	580
17	Psychologists, All Other	$120,300	$110,490	30
18	Web and Digital Interface Designers	$119,600	$108,910	90
19	Nurse Practitioners	$119,410	$120,980	920
20	Training and Development Managers	$113,480	$113,710	40
21	Database Architects	$113,410	$116,210	50
22	Audiologists	$112,850	$108,850	100
23	Medical and Health Services Managers	$110,110	$131,910	1,050
24	Human Resources Managers	$109,960	$118,860	380
25	Optometrists	$109,480	$115,290	190
26	Actuaries	$108,790	$120,500	70
27	Managers, All Other	$108,160	$110,090	440
28	Continuous Mining Machine Operators	$107,100	$95,440	90
29	Construction Managers	$106,580	$116,550	690
30	First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers	$105,980	$112,080	710
31	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay	$105,550	$96,630	60
32	Personal Financial Advisors	$105,470	$123,970	430
33	Industrial Production Managers	$104,690	$113,140	680
34	Power Plant Operators	$104,320	$95,980	30
35	Education Administrators, Postsecondary	$103,600	$123,440	240
36	Information Security Analysts	$102,050	$102,240	500
37	Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products	$101,920	$127,110	1,490
38	Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary	$101,150	$97,510	120
39	Veterinarians	$100,950	$101,670	290
40	Architects, Except Landscape and Naval	$100,640	$97,460	160
41	Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers	$99,730	$94,970	30
42	Administrative Services Managers	$99,720	$101,340	440
43	Insurance Underwriters	$99,570	$115,200	190
44	Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers	$96,450	$102,610	290
45	Facilities Managers	$96,090	$98,020	350
46	Financial Risk Specialists	$94,200	$96,830	70
47	Air Traffic Controllers	$92,830	$94,040	50
48	Computer Systems Analysts	$92,290	$99,350	1,010
49	Data Scientists	$91,460	$97,940	150
50	Environmental Engineers	$91,100	$86,990	100
51	Computer Occupations, All Other	$90,980	$93,060	210
52	Sales Engineers	$90,410	$95,180	40
53	First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers	$90,020	$84,240	100
54	Physical Therapists	$89,290	$89,050	900
55	Electrical Engineers	$88,840	$97,020	350
56	Industrial Engineers	$87,210	$94,320	870
57	Radiation Therapists	$85,770	$88,640	60
58	Surveyors	$85,650	$85,180	120
59	Hydrologists	$85,570	$87,630	30
60	Civil Engineers	$85,410	$90,870	1,330
61	Social Workers, All Other	$85,300	$80,980	140
62	Postmasters and Mail Superintendents	$84,780	$86,180	110
63	Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	$84,320	$81,750	950
64	Database Administrators	$84,300	$83,290	150
65	Mechanical Engineers	$84,050	$84,940	690
66	Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary	$83,940	$85,380	660
67	Clinical and Counseling Psychologists	$83,470	$86,160	150
68	Software Developers	$82,850	$94,500	2,240
69	Physics Teachers, Postsecondary	$82,670	$80,960	40
70	Education Administrators, All Other	$81,470	$83,240	80
71	Business Operations Specialists, All Other	$81,000	$86,430	920
72	Dental Hygienists	$80,770	$81,330	610
73	First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives	$80,760	$88,390	170
74	Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door	$80,180	$78,080	180
75	Occupational Therapists	$79,980	$81,610	460
76	Project Management Specialists	$79,930	$84,340	1,450
77	Financial and Investment Analysts	$79,860	$86,050	620
78	Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$79,550	$78,990	140
79	Management Analysts	$79,470	$87,200	2,870
80	Social and Community Service Managers	$79,430	$81,980	310
81	Medical Equipment Repairers	$79,370	$80,440	410
82	Financial Examiners	$78,620	$94,670	130
83	Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary	$78,170	$88,130	210
84	Chiropractors	$78,010	$87,450	220
85	Food Scientists and Technologists	$78,010	$77,880	90
86	Electronics Engineers, Except Computer	$77,940	$87,070	140
87	Orthotists and Prosthetists	$77,760	$81,620	40
88	Atmospheric and Space Scientists	$77,710	$85,280	100
89	Economics Teachers, Postsecondary	$76,970	$87,050	40
90	Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary	$76,900	$77,000	60
91	Loan Officers	$76,640	$80,930	2,000
92	Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other	$76,000	$85,420	60
93	Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other	$76,000	$78,730	70
94	Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling	$75,880	$75,750	140
95	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers	$75,830	$77,630	1,520
96	Teachers and Instructors, All Other	$75,520	$76,230	100
97	Accountants and Auditors	$75,110	$77,840	6,170
98	Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators	$74,950	$75,410	980
99	Occupational Health and Safety Specialists	$74,920	$75,520	170
100	Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$74,550	$76,340	170
101	Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists	$74,370	$82,660	110
102	Transportation Inspectors	$73,880	$72,290	90
103	School Psychologists	$73,440	$81,020	90
104	Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products	$72,580	$78,120	5,390
105	Budget Analysts	$72,340	$75,970	120
106	Business Teachers, Postsecondary	$72,340	$75,990	310
107	Biological Scientists, All Other	$72,210	$71,430	150
108	Detectives and Criminal Investigators	$72,050	$84,000	220
109	Cost Estimators	$71,740	$71,650	950
110	First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers	$71,170	$72,030	2,220
111	Gambling Managers	$70,860	$79,210	40
112	Logisticians	$70,570	$75,160	200
113	Buyers and Purchasing Agents	$69,570	$74,870	1,120
114	Nuclear Medicine Technologists	$69,340	$68,370	130
115	First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers	$69,330	$70,670	50
116	Landscape Architects	$69,290	$71,280	60
117	Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians	$68,980	$68,490	N/A
118	Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health	$67,970	$71,750	170
119	Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage	$67,950	$62,000	50
120	Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary	$67,870	$70,780	50
121	Crane and Tower Operators	$67,760	$73,300	80
122	Diagnostic Medical Sonographers	$67,430	$68,190	340
123	Registered Nurses	$67,030	$69,030	14,600
124	Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists	$66,980	$66,950	160
125	Funeral Home Managers	$66,800	$73,260	40
126	Network and Computer Systems Administrators	$66,790	$71,980	1,890
127	Commercial Pilots	$66,500	$77,250	300
128	Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers	$66,090	$72,010	60
129	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers	$66,000	$69,460	1,880
130	Compliance Officers	$65,920	$71,510	1,060
131	Speech-Language Pathologists	$65,720	$69,350	400
132	History Teachers, Postsecondary	$65,300	$69,260	40
133	Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$65,090	$71,450	30
134	Credit Analysts	$64,940	$73,400	340
135	Radiologic Technologists and Technicians	$64,760	$63,590	930
136	Locomotive Engineers	$64,590	$67,240	130
137	Brickmasons and Blockmasons	$64,540	$63,430	240
138	Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers	$64,480	$65,630	100
139	Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers	$64,330	$68,260	310
140	Farm and Home Management Educators	$64,260	$62,590	60
141	Cargo and Freight Agents	$64,190	$65,060	290
142	Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary	$64,110	$62,170	260
143	Respiratory Therapists	$64,000	$61,160	340
144	Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary	$63,980	$67,200	250
145	Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary	$63,710	$67,100	90
146	Dietitians and Nutritionists	$63,650	$64,800	200
147	Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators	$63,390	$57,460	100
148	Chemists	$63,370	$68,470	130
149	Microbiologists	$63,180	$72,380	60
150	Therapists, All Other	$62,890	$69,280	50
151	First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors	$62,820	$65,280	1,130
152	Insurance Sales Agents	$62,600	$75,660	1,970
153	Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary	$62,500	$68,680	70
154	Fundraisers	$62,470	$62,230	90
155	Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary	$62,430	$70,170	120
156	Rail Car Repairers	$62,330	$62,220	60
157	English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary	$62,210	$61,420	150
158	Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	$62,080	$64,870	680
159	Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary	$62,070	$64,400	230
160	Education Teachers, Postsecondary	$62,050	$65,170	200
161	Boilermakers	$62,030	$58,350	50
162	Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists	$61,990	$68,990	1,480
163	Lodging Managers	$61,910	$62,430	290
164	Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians	$61,870	$66,760	160
165	Plant and System Operators, All Other	$61,850	$59,830	150
166	Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators	$61,770	$62,300	70
167	Urban and Regional Planners	$61,710	$66,150	150
168	Communications Teachers, Postsecondary	$61,600	$62,080	110
169	Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary	$61,600	$66,460	60
170	Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians	$61,360	$62,150	780
171	Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary	$61,300	$67,570	40
172	Art Directors	$61,290	$68,460	40
173	Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists	$60,920	$64,030	170
174	Curators	$60,890	$63,010	70
175	Real Estate Sales Agents	$60,740	$73,350	480
176	Cartographers and Photogrammetrists	$60,620	$62,720	100
177	Soil and Plant Scientists	$60,100	$64,370	490
178	Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary	$60,060	$60,040	60
179	Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists	$59,940	$62,780	880
180	Public Relations Specialists	$59,900	$63,040	240
181	Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers	$59,870	$62,020	100
182	Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers	$59,850	$61,230	460
183	Millwrights	$59,700	$60,330	N/A
184	Animal Scientists	$59,510	$62,250	150
185	Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers	$59,450	$56,310	40
186	Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists	$59,290	$59,570	1,270
187	Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters	$59,150	$57,320	90
188	Instructional Coordinators	$59,060	$66,420	510
189	Paralegals and Legal Assistants	$59,040	$59,560	470
190	Conservation Scientists	$59,010	$64,200	500
191	Food Service Managers	$58,930	$59,050	1,180
192	Human Resources Specialists	$58,700	$65,480	1,490
193	Interior Designers	$58,570	$66,800	200
194	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	$58,250	$62,150	340
195	Construction and Building Inspectors	$58,230	$60,420	220
196	Training and Development Specialists	$58,160	$61,030	570
197	Emergency Management Directors	$58,030	$66,290	110
198	Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare	$57,830	$59,650	100
199	Electricians	$57,750	$56,790	2,650
200	Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars	$57,530	$59,330	300
201	First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers	$57,240	$60,500	50
202	Industrial Machinery Mechanics	$57,200	$58,000	1,320
203	Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel	$57,010	$63,190	570
204	Stonemasons	$56,890	$52,500	60
205	Postal Service Mail Carriers	$56,830	$58,470	890
206	Surgical Assistants	$56,800	$57,520	50
207	First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers	$56,660	$55,610	70
208	Writers and Authors	$56,490	$52,560	30
209	Anthropologists and Archeologists	$56,220	$64,440	40
210	Foresters	$56,190	$59,150	130
211	Health Education Specialists	$56,130	$57,830	140
212	First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers	$56,030	$58,200	1,880
213	First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers	$55,880	$54,590	330
214	Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists	$55,740	$57,250	310
215	Producers and Directors	$55,680	$58,140	180
216	Logging Equipment Operators	$55,610	$53,210	60
217	Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other	$55,600	$60,090	220
218	Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators	$55,470	$57,440	260
219	Technical Writers	$55,430	$55,810	110
220	Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers	$55,390	$58,900	1,860
221	Labor Relations Specialists	$55,370	$66,010	40
222	Hydrologic Technicians	$55,160	$54,430	40
223	Fish and Game Wardens	$55,120	$56,660	120
224	Computer Programmers	$55,000	$65,320	100
225	Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School	$54,940	$53,300	350
226	Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers	$54,900	$56,710	5,770
227	Postal Service Clerks	$54,750	$53,700	440
228	Chemical Plant and System Operators	$54,700	$52,830	210
229	Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers	$54,500	$57,650	1,120
230	Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators	$54,170	$54,680	190
231	Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$53,750	$56,110	430
232	Occupational Therapy Assistants	$53,550	$51,960	90
233	Editors	$53,000	$53,130	130
234	Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians	$52,890	$56,340	1,240
235	Physical Therapist Assistants	$52,730	$52,140	260
236	Sales and Related Workers, All Other	$52,730	$54,830	120
237	Tool and Die Makers	$52,680	$53,150	130
238	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators	$52,510	$54,240	1,840
239	Advertising Sales Agents	$52,490	$59,000	410
240	Electrical and Electronics Drafters	$52,320	$54,030	30
241	Property Appraisers and Assessors	$52,310	$57,240	400
242	Self-Enrichment Teachers	$52,280	$48,550	200
243	Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents	$52,040	$58,830	120
244	Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$52,010	$56,430	220
245	Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators	$52,000	$54,180	940
246	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters	$51,990	$54,740	1,420
247	Surgical Technologists	$51,980	$51,120	530
248	Computer Network Support Specialists	$51,920	$54,240	530
249	Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders	$51,900	$48,480	60
250	Brokerage Clerks	$51,600	$49,050	N/A
251	Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders	$51,460	$50,310	40
252	Firefighters	$51,330	$53,480	470
253	Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School	$51,060	$50,040	40
254	Hazardous Materials Removal Workers	$51,000	$50,320	90
255	Special Education Teachers, Middle School	$50,980	$51,720	310
256	Mechanical Drafters	$50,910	$54,950	170
257	Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School	$50,840	$52,150	790
258	Clergy	$50,810	$51,840	140
259	Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	$50,790	$51,570	2,060
260	Web Developers	$50,770	$52,770	400
261	Automotive Body and Related Repairers	$50,690	$54,840	710
262	Athletic Trainers	$50,600	$52,720	150
263	Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians	$50,390	$54,600	170
264	Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers	$50,310	$56,170	260
265	Tree Trimmers and Pruners	$50,170	$53,800	220
266	Special Education Teachers, Secondary School	$50,090	$51,880	490
267	Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	$50,080	$51,650	3,410
268	Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers	$50,030	$53,290	260

Aiming for a $50K+ Career in South Dakota?

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South Dakota High-Salary Insights

The $50K+ jobs in South Dakota are concentrated in Management, Healthcare Practitioners, and Computer & Math fields.

47.3% of all tracked occupations in SD earn a median salary above $50K. The entry point for this group is $50,030/year (Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers), while the top earner makes $217,570/year.

South Dakota ranks #49 among all 50 states for the number of $50K+ jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many jobs pay over $50K a year in South Dakota?

According to 2024 BLS data, there are 268 occupations in South Dakota with a median annual salary above $50K. This represents 47.3% of all tracked occupations in SD.

What is the highest paying job in South Dakota?

The highest paying occupation in South Dakota is Pediatricians, General with a median salary of $217,570 per year based on 2024 BLS OEWS data.

What is the minimum salary to be on the $50K+ list in South Dakota?

The entry point for the $50K+ list in South Dakota is $50,030/year (Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers). Any occupation with a median salary above $50K qualifies for this list.

What is the average salary of $50K+ jobs in South Dakota?

The average median salary among all 268 occupations that pay over $50K in South Dakota is $75,240 per year (2024 data).

How can I get a job that pays over $50K in South Dakota?

High-paying jobs in South Dakota typically require specialized education, certifications, or significant experience. Common fields include healthcare, technology, management, and engineering. Investing in relevant skills through certifications and advanced degrees can help you reach the $50K+ salary range. Check individual job pages for specific requirements.

Jobs Over $50K in Other States

These are gross salaries. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, take-home pay is lower.

More Salary Data for South Dakota

Highest Paying Jobs in South Dakota · Average Salary in South Dakota · All South Dakota Jobs

Data Source & Methodology

This list includes all occupations with BLS-published state-level median salary data above $50K per year. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 estimates. See our Methodology page for details.

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics