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Lawyers Salary in South Dakota

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Lawyers make in South Dakota?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$102,040
Median Annual Salary
▲ +5.7% vs 2024
$132,270
Mean Salary
$102,040
Median Salary
$49.06
Hourly Rate
1,360 people work as Lawyers in South Dakota

Lawyers salary by percentile in South Dakota

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Lawyers salary in South Dakota — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Lawyers in South Dakota.10thBottom 10% earn less than $76,920$76,92025th25% earn less than $85,640$85,640MedianHalf earn more than $102,040$102,04075th75% earn less than $141,270$141,27090thTop 10% earn more than $234,690$234,690

Lawyers in South Dakota earn a median salary of $102,040 per year ($8,503/month). This is 24.3% below the national average of $134,712. South Dakota ranks #47 out of 51 states for Lawyers pay. Approximately 1,360 people work in this occupation across South Dakota. Salaries increased by 5.7% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Lawyers

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Top Skills

Active Listening
4.62
Speaking
4.62
Reading Comprehension
4.38
Critical Thinking
4.25
Complex Problem Solving
4.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Law and Government
4.72
English Language
4.49
Customer and Personal Service
3.88
Administration and Management
3.34
Personnel and Human Resources
3.27
Typical Education: First Professional Degree (67.8% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Lawyers in South Dakota

Salaries for Lawyers in South Dakota range from $76,920 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $234,690 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $85,640 and $141,270.

Median $102,040
P10: $76,920 P25: $85,640 P75: $141,270 P90: $234,690
10th
$76,920
25th
$85,640
Median
$102,040
75th
$141,270
90th
$234,690
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $76,920 $36.98 $6,410
25th Percentile $85,640 $41.17 $7,136
Median (50th) $102,040 $49.06 $8,503
75th Percentile $141,270 $67.92 $11,772
90th Percentile (Experienced) $234,690 $112.83 $19,557

Note: The mean (average) salary of $132,270 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#47
South Dakota ranks #47 of 51 states
$134,712
National avg. for Lawyers
-24.3%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Lawyers salary in South Dakota adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Lawyers take-home pay in South Dakota after taxes →

Explore Lawyers Data in South Dakota

Lawyers Salary by State

Compare Lawyers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Lawyers make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Lawyers in South Dakota is $102,040 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $132,270.
What is the salary range for a Lawyers in South Dakota?
Salaries for Lawyers in South Dakota range from $76,920 at the 10th percentile to $234,690 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $85,640 and $141,270.
What is the starting salary for a Lawyers in South Dakota?
Entry-level Lawyers positions in South Dakota typically start around $76,920 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $85,640 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Lawyers in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,360 people are employed as Lawyers in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Lawyers in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Lawyers in South Dakota is approximately $49.06 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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