Highest Paying Jobs in South Dakota

The highest paying job in South Dakota is radiologist, with an average salary of $534,640 a year, followed by CEO ($336,560) and emergency medicine physician ($335,490). All 455 jobs in South Dakota below are ranked by average pay from the latest BLS wage survey (May 2025).

Filter the ranking ↓ Play “Which job pays more?”

#1 Radiologist $534,640 average a year #2 CEO $336,560 average a year #3 Emergency medicine physician $335,490 average a year

Highest Paying Jobs in South Dakota, ranked

Field

Education needed

Pays at least

Sort by

of 455 jobs match.

#	Job	Average	Median	US median	Workers
1	Radiologist Healthcare Practitioners	$534,640	$586,010	$420,860	70
2	CEO Management	$336,560	$280,900	$213,990	510
3	Emergency medicine physician Healthcare Practitioners	$335,490	$393,870	$335,550	170
4	General internal medicine physician Healthcare Practitioners	$331,820	$280,520	$256,560	160
5	Obstetrician and gynecologist Healthcare Practitioners	$307,380	$297,610	$292,910	80
6	Pediatrician Healthcare Practitioners	$288,400	$257,610	$210,040	80
7	Psychiatrist Healthcare Practitioners	$270,220	$226,180	$281,870	60
8	Family medicine physician Healthcare Practitioners	$258,390	$239,970	$244,180	550
9	Nurse anesthetist Healthcare Practitioners	$249,720	$263,930	$236,590	400
10	Financial advisor Business and Financial	$175,820	$128,720	$105,070	620
11	Financial manager Management	$172,430	$159,700	$166,570	1,000
12	Marketing manager Management	$172,390	$167,750	$166,790	220
13	Computer and information systems manager Management	$168,550	$162,240	$175,140	380
14	Architectural and engineering manager Management	$166,030	$164,330	$171,270	310
15	Dentist Healthcare Practitioners	$164,030	$158,140	$170,950	390
16	General and operations manager Management	$153,020	$137,400	$105,770	4,280
17	Computer network architect Computer and Mathematical	$151,620	$153,390	$134,050	420
18	Pharmacist Healthcare Practitioners	$142,330	$146,790	$140,910	1,280
19	Sales manager Management	$141,590	$136,360	$148,270	450
20	Education administrator, postsecondary Management	$138,640	$126,160	$104,590	240
21	Natural sciences manager Management	$137,210	$128,140	$167,220	180
22	Purchasing manager Management	$135,990	$128,670	$148,080	70
23	Lawyer Legal	$132,270	$102,040	$159,670	1,360
24	Physician assistant Healthcare Practitioners	$131,910	$133,200	$135,880	680
25	Medical and health services manager Management	$130,720	$122,050	$123,860	1,140
26	Human resources manager Management	$127,430	$117,930	$149,280	420
27	Nurse practitioner Healthcare Practitioners	$125,160	$128,840	$132,300	1,020
28	Database architect Computer and Mathematical	$124,430	$136,540	$139,500	40
29	Construction manager Management	$123,320	$118,380	$114,990	1,070
30	Training and development manager Management	$123,100	$124,150	$133,000	50
31	Information security analyst Computer and Mathematical	$120,750	$116,640	$129,180	770
32	Financial and investment analyst Business and Financial	$120,230	$99,150	$102,740	820
33	Optometrist Healthcare Practitioners	$118,060	$102,320	$136,570	190
34	Sales engineer Sales	$117,580	$119,110	$124,900	100
35	Industrial production manager Management	$117,070	$107,490	$126,060	720
36	First-line supervisor of non-retail sales workers Sales	$113,980	$105,680	$87,520	680
37	Security, commodity, and financial services sales agent Sales	$111,920	$86,780	$78,660	730
38	Administrative services manager Management	$111,890	$106,410	$114,130	450
39	Computer hardware engineer Architecture and Engineering	$110,880	$101,400	$161,740	160
40	Physicist Science	$108,270	$83,050	$172,250	30
41	Transportation, storage, and distribution manager Management	$107,970	$107,410	$107,230	370
42	Elevator and escalator installer and repairer Construction and Extraction	$107,000	$116,320	$109,910	–
43	Computer systems analyst Computer and Mathematical	$106,040	$99,790	$105,850	1,110
44	Electrical and electronics repairer, powerhouse, substation, and relay Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$105,830	$101,830	$103,020	40
45	Architect Architecture and Engineering	$105,360	$102,500	$99,280	180
46	Software developer Computer and Mathematical	$104,790	$96,310	$135,980	2,380
47	Facilities manager Management	$104,360	$101,280	$106,660	370
48	Engineering teacher, postsecondary Education and Library	$103,500	$97,700	$109,270	120
49	Electrical engineer Architecture and Engineering	$102,770	$98,980	$120,630	530
50	Data scientist Computer and Mathematical	$102,450	$96,150	$120,230	220
51	Insurance underwriter Business and Financial	$99,910	$83,130	$81,370	210
52	Civil engineer Architecture and Engineering	$99,500	$98,700	$100,840	1,440
53	Environmental engineer Architecture and Engineering	$99,360	$98,890	$107,110	90
54	Financial examiner Business and Financial	$98,690	$88,690	$94,160	150
55	Electronics engineer Architecture and Engineering	$98,210	$84,150	$130,220	190
56	First-line supervisor of police and detectives Protective Service	$97,350	$87,810	$106,040	190
57	Industrial engineer Architecture and Engineering	$97,100	$93,200	$102,440	830
58	Financial risk specialist Business and Financial	$95,530	$78,960	$117,330	130
59	Mechanical engineer Architecture and Engineering	$95,080	$88,380	$104,110	560
60	Electrical power-line installer and repairer Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$94,900	$97,310	$95,320	740
61	Commercial pilot Transportation and Material Moving	$94,070	$83,710	$123,220	320
62	Veterinarian Healthcare Practitioners	$93,990	$88,650	$130,100	280
63	Physical therapist Healthcare Practitioners	$93,200	$92,660	$102,760	1,060
64	Management analyst Business and Financial	$92,440	$83,620	$101,860	2,980
65	Education administrator, kindergarten through secondary Management	$91,960	$88,390	$105,870	680
66	Detective Protective Service	$91,060	$77,730	$93,790	250
67	Social and community service manager Management	$90,180	$86,870	$80,390	450
68	Control and valve installer and repairer Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$89,270	$98,090	$74,340	150
69	Dental hygienist Healthcare Practitioners	$89,180	$92,210	$98,100	630
70	Clinical and counseling psychologist Science	$88,560	$80,130	$100,580	120
71	Project management specialist Business and Financial	$88,360	$82,250	$102,320	1,310
72	Occupational therapist Healthcare Practitioners	$88,150	$85,050	$100,330	490
73	Occupational health and safety specialist Science	$87,900	$88,610	$90,150	250
74	Logistician Business and Financial	$87,750	$80,020	$82,320	210
75	Health specialties teacher, postsecondary Education and Library	$87,460	$78,720	$107,310	270
76	Surveyor Architecture and Engineering	$86,630	$77,190	$75,440	180
77	Database administrator Computer and Mathematical	$86,260	$82,540	$104,620	170
78	Loan officer Business and Financial	$85,970	$79,920	$76,690	1,820
79	Accountant Business and Financial	$85,030	$78,880	$83,680	5,820
80	Chiropractor Healthcare Practitioners	$84,230	$76,210	$79,200	260
81	Biological science teacher, postsecondary Education and Library	$83,890	$76,570	$84,620	160
82	Medical scientist Science	$83,870	$80,890	$103,410	140
83	Labor relations specialist Business and Financial	$83,770	$57,900	$95,420	100
84	School psychologist Science	$83,490	$78,370	$95,990	110
85	Business teacher, postsecondary Education and Library	$83,150	$72,650	$99,080	260
86	First-line supervisor of mechanics, installers, and repairers Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$82,680	$80,810	$79,860	1,750
87	Credit analyst Business and Financial	$82,670	$73,040	$83,510	430
88	Insurance sales agent Sales	$82,200	$71,990	$62,280	1,870
89	Budget analyst Business and Financial	$81,890	$79,180	$91,640	120
90	Claims adjuster, examiner, and investigator Business and Financial	$81,510	$78,900	$78,000	1,030
91	Sales representative, wholesale and manufacturing Sales	$81,270	$77,210	$72,080	5,220
92	First-line supervisor of firefighting and prevention workers Protective Service	$81,140	$72,420	$93,530	120
93	Entertainment and recreation manager Management	$80,170	$76,000	$79,520	160
94	Compliance officer Business and Financial	$80,090	$72,630	$80,730	1,130
95	Cost estimator Business and Financial	$79,200	$74,950	$78,740	1,030
96	First-line supervisor of construction trades and extraction workers Construction and Extraction	$78,970	$77,690	$79,920	2,360
97	Buyer and purchasing agent Business and Financial	$78,690	$73,990	$77,710	1,180
98	Network and computer systems administrator Computer and Mathematical	$78,680	$75,010	$99,130	1,690
99	Computer science teacher, postsecondary Education and Library	$78,350	$75,540	$96,980	150
100	Magnetic resonance imaging technologist Healthcare Practitioners	$77,670	$77,010	$95,480	210
101	Diagnostic medical sonographer Healthcare Practitioners	$77,220	$80,820	$96,590	370
102	Registered nurse Healthcare Practitioners	$77,140	$78,060	$97,550	14,710
103	Transportation inspector Transportation and Material Moving	$77,050	$70,080	$92,100	100
104	First-line supervisor of correctional officers Protective Service	$76,600	$77,400	$77,970	80
105	Conservation scientist Science	$76,060	$76,400	$73,010	360
106	Psychology teacher, postsecondary Education and Library	$75,780	$65,020	$80,340	70
107	Aircraft mechanic and service technician Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$75,360	$75,750	$79,870	150
108	Fundraiser Business and Financial	$75,190	$66,800	$72,550	80
109	Urban and regional planner Science	$74,900	$71,180	$89,320	210
110	Human resources specialist Business and Financial	$74,450	$67,590	$75,940	1,340
111	Mathematical science teacher, postsecondary Education and Library	$74,340	$64,620	$79,940	130
112	Medical equipment repairer Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$74,210	$69,530	$61,660	150
113	Interior designer Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media	$74,170	$65,220	$67,190	150
114	Nursing instructor and teacher, postsecondary Education and Library	$74,120	$66,630	$80,250	250
115	Market research analyst and marketing specialist Business and Financial	$73,980	$63,490	$78,760	1,530
116	Cardiovascular technologist and technician Healthcare Practitioners	$73,750	$67,290	$74,310	200
117	First-line supervisor of production and operating workers Production	$73,610	$73,040	$74,450	1,930
118	Speech-language pathologist Healthcare Practitioners	$73,310	$65,680	$97,870	410
119	Software quality assurance analyst and tester Computer and Mathematical	$73,260	$68,120	$104,300	220
120	Chemist Science	$72,750	$67,440	$91,240	170
121	Environmental scientist and specialist Science	$72,470	$68,230	$82,220	240
122	Geoscientist Science	$72,030	$71,150	$101,920	80
123	Public relations specialist Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media	$71,890	$64,520	$74,750	210
124	Crane and tower operator Transportation and Material Moving	$70,560	$71,000	$68,080	120
125	Locomotive engineer Transportation and Material Moving	$70,010	$69,180	$81,410	150
126	Radiologic technologist Healthcare Practitioners	$69,740	$65,240	$80,110	980
127	Real estate agent Sales	$69,510	$65,170	$52,830	640
128	Mobile heavy equipment mechanic Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$69,470	$66,730	$65,510	830
129	Art director Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media	$69,360	$66,610	$114,850	30
130	Communications teacher, postsecondary Education and Library	$69,050	$71,300	$78,580	80
131	Rail car repairer Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$69,030	$71,750	$67,530	90
132	Career/technical education teacher, postsecondary Education and Library	$69,010	$72,940	$63,820	350
133	Respiratory therapist Healthcare Practitioners	$68,910	$68,240	$82,280	430
134	Dietitian and nutritionist Healthcare Practitioners	$68,220	$64,890	$76,400	210
135	Tax examiner and collector, and revenue agent Business and Financial	$68,110	$63,790	$62,370	120
136	Computer programmer Computer and Mathematical	$67,940	$58,240	$100,390	70
137	Electrical and electronics repairer, commercial and industrial equipment Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$67,940	$64,900	$74,090	470
138	Compensation, benefit, and job analysis specialist Business and Financial	$67,890	$64,630	$78,210	630
139	Probation officer and correctional treatment specialist Community and Social Service	$67,860	$66,870	$66,270	280
140	Education teacher, postsecondary Education and Library	$67,350	$63,350	$75,350	190
141	Construction and building inspector Construction and Extraction	$67,260	$64,940	$74,690	200
142	Art, drama, and music teacher, postsecondary Education and Library	$66,920	$63,380	$78,620	200
143	Computer numerically controlled tool programmer Production	$66,720	$66,650	$68,120	80
144	English language and literature teacher, postsecondary Education and Library	$65,870	$62,960	$78,760	110
145	Training and development specialist Business and Financial	$65,660	$61,570	$69,280	520
146	Advertising sales agent Sales	$65,300	$60,190	$64,820	390
147	Sales representative of services Sales	$65,120	$61,770	$69,990	630
148	Producer and director Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media	$65,090	$60,260	$90,360	170
149	Technical writer Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media	$65,090	$63,350	$90,390	70
150	Cargo and freight agent Office and Administrative Support	$65,000	$64,340	$52,260	200
151	Telecommunications equipment installer and repairer Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$64,950	$62,000	$63,890	520
152	First-line supervisor of transportation and material moving workers Transportation and Material Moving	$64,760	$64,780	$62,890	1,340
153	Property appraiser and assessor Business and Financial	$64,440	$63,350	$67,960	510
154	Police officer Protective Service	$64,320	$60,740	$76,210	2,000
155	Stationary engineer and boiler operator Production	$64,300	$68,090	$78,620	90
156	First-line supervisor of office and administrative support workers Office and Administrative Support	$64,100	$62,530	$69,500	1,750
157	Food service manager Management	$63,920	$60,640	$69,390	1,270
158	Farm equipment mechanic and service technician Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$63,550	$62,140	$56,550	820
159	Lodging manager Management	$63,540	$61,920	$69,250	310
160	Title examiner, abstractor, and searcher Legal	$63,270	$59,300	$58,650	180
161	Health information technologist and medical registrar Healthcare Practitioners	$62,970	$60,740	$68,020	140
162	Postal service mail sorter, processor, and processing machine operator Office and Administrative Support	$62,850	$61,570	$58,470	210
163	Industrial machinery mechanic Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$62,610	$61,560	$64,520	1,230
164	Instructional coordinator Education and Library	$62,420	$57,910	$77,440	500
165	Paralegal Legal	$62,260	$58,320	$62,890	600
166	Health education specialist Community and Social Service	$62,030	$57,370	$64,070	190
167	Electrician Construction and Extraction	$61,980	$61,390	$63,190	2,980
168	Commercial and industrial designer Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media	$61,970	$60,110	$83,910	190
169	First-line supervisor of retail sales workers Sales	$61,860	$56,680	$48,520	3,660
170	First-line supervisor of security workers Protective Service	$61,530	$57,880	$55,940	80
171	Mail carrier Office and Administrative Support	$61,420	$60,760	$60,550	850
172	Railroad conductor and yardmaster Transportation and Material Moving	$61,410	$62,730	$78,000	90
173	Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operator Construction and Extraction	$61,370	$60,140	$53,340	130
174	Education and childcare administrator, preschool and daycare Management	$61,330	$63,240	$59,300	150
175	Civil engineering technologist and technician Architecture and Engineering	$61,270	$60,880	$64,950	460
176	Electrical and electronic engineering technologist and technician Architecture and Engineering	$61,250	$58,340	$78,190	200
177	Millwright Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$61,230	$61,820	$65,700	240
178	HVAC technician Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$61,100	$61,390	$61,010	1,610
179	Brickmason and blockmason Construction and Extraction	$61,030	$60,380	$62,120	320
180	Clinical laboratory technologist and technician Healthcare Practitioners	$60,940	$60,890	$62,930	1,280
181	First-line supervisor of farming, fishing, and forestry workers Farming, Fishing and Forestry	$60,790	$57,880	$59,320	110
182	Editor Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media	$60,200	$56,730	$77,920	140
183	Clergy Community and Social Service	$60,180	$59,860	$60,810	140
184	Forest and conservation technician Science	$60,160	$54,770	$54,560	350
185	First-line supervisor of landscaping, lawn service, and groundskeeping workers Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance	$59,760	$60,680	$58,430	340
186	Healthcare social worker Community and Social Service	$59,640	$57,510	$67,880	790
187	Diesel mechanic Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$59,480	$58,120	$61,770	1,340
188	Heavy equipment operator Construction and Extraction	$59,330	$59,500	$59,850	2,050
189	Philosophy and religion teacher, postsecondary Education and Library	$59,260	$58,000	$80,260	40
190	Truck driver Transportation and Material Moving	$58,550	$58,690	$58,640	6,470
191	Industrial engineering technologist and technician Architecture and Engineering	$58,490	$54,570	$66,120	310
192	Tool and die maker Production	$58,480	$59,770	$64,050	60
193	Surgical technologist Healthcare Practitioners	$58,390	$59,870	$64,650	600
194	Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairer Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$58,290	$59,700	$47,810	300
195	Athletic trainer Healthcare Practitioners	$57,880	$58,620	$62,520	150
196	Brokerage clerk Office and Administrative Support	$57,650	$56,080	$65,750	130
197	Mechanical engineering technologist and technician Architecture and Engineering	$57,580	$53,670	$74,510	110
198	Writer and author Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media	$57,230	$56,700	$76,910	60
199	Floor layer Construction and Extraction	$56,540	$58,930	$56,460	180
200	Structural iron and steel worker Construction and Extraction	$56,500	$57,050	$62,780	440
201	Security and fire alarm systems installer Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$56,500	$55,690	$60,070	220
202	Postal service clerk Office and Administrative Support	$56,450	$58,470	$62,130	390
203	Computer network support specialist Computer and Mathematical	$56,390	$53,650	$76,220	480
204	Interpreter and translator Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media	$56,360	$53,140	$60,170	230
205	Transportation security screener Protective Service	$56,310	$55,530	$66,770	60
206	Executive assistant Office and Administrative Support	$56,200	$55,170	$76,590	1,230
207	Mechanical drafter Architecture and Engineering	$56,030	$52,610	$71,550	100
208	Logging equipment operator Farming, Fishing and Forestry	$55,770	$58,740	$49,740	50
209	Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operator Production	$55,750	$53,370	$60,020	1,060
210	Tax preparer Business and Financial	$55,710	$52,530	$54,920	280
211	Auto mechanic Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$55,660	$51,160	$50,620	2,010
212	Architectural and civil drafter Architecture and Engineering	$55,530	$52,470	$66,150	460
213	Plumber Construction and Extraction	$55,530	$51,620	$63,800	1,760
214	Occupational therapy assistant Healthcare Support	$55,470	$56,180	$72,300	100
215	Automotive body and related repairer Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$55,280	$49,460	$54,890	800
216	Mortician, undertaker, and funeral arranger Personal Care and Service	$55,200	$47,840	$55,010	200
217	Career/technical education teacher, secondary school Education and Library	$55,040	$56,070	$66,270	360
218	Licensed practical nurse Healthcare Practitioners	$54,990	$52,750	$64,400	2,050
219	Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor Community and Social Service	$54,760	$53,650	$59,350	1,710
220	Tile and stone setter Construction and Extraction	$54,680	$50,640	$55,690	30
221	Rehabilitation counselor Community and Social Service	$54,400	$49,350	$46,850	370
222	Roustabout, oil and gas Construction and Extraction	$54,400	$50,370	$46,960	40
223	Medical records specialist Healthcare Practitioners	$54,380	$51,610	$51,140	900
224	Tree trimmer and pruner Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance	$54,370	$50,430	$50,960	270
225	Special education teacher, secondary school Education and Library	$54,290	$54,810	$74,260	500
226	Sheet metal worker Construction and Extraction	$54,140	$47,800	$61,800	320
227	Educational, guidance, and career counselor and advisor Community and Social Service	$53,980	$51,830	$64,330	1,000
228	Property, real estate, and community association manager Management	$53,970	$49,490	$69,990	1,280
229	High school teacher Education and Library	$53,960	$51,050	$72,040	3,360
230	Web developer Computer and Mathematical	$53,950	$51,100	$92,650	390
231	Librarian and media collections specialist Education and Library	$53,840	$51,210	$68,270	490
232	Mechanical door repairer Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$53,680	$50,500	$55,720	160
233	Special education teacher, kindergarten and elementary school Education and Library	$53,530	$51,090	$65,120	790
234	Pest control worker Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance	$53,490	$49,920	$45,250	190
235	Self-enrichment teacher Education and Library	$53,430	$49,720	$46,800	140
236	Mental health and substance abuse social worker Community and Social Service	$53,400	$48,920	$60,280	230
237	Child and family social worker Community and Social Service	$53,320	$51,100	$59,550	2,050
238	Middle school teacher Education and Library	$53,290	$50,980	$64,370	2,130
239	First-line supervisor of personal service workers Personal Care and Service	$53,290	$49,860	$48,590	340
240	Correctional officer Protective Service	$53,260	$53,040	$58,940	1,490
241	Solar photovoltaic installer Construction and Extraction	$53,180	$42,380	$53,140	50
242	Telecommunications line installer and repairer Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$53,090	$49,560	$74,330	590
243	Special education teacher, middle school Education and Library	$52,820	$51,360	$66,810	310
244	Computer numerically controlled tool operator Production	$52,790	$50,750	$50,690	1,420
245	Production, planning, and expediting clerk Office and Administrative Support	$52,760	$50,530	$59,650	690
246	Elementary school teacher Education and Library	$52,680	$50,130	$63,970	4,290
247	Surveying and mapping technician Architecture and Engineering	$52,260	$50,050	$54,240	110
248	Hazardous materials removal worker Construction and Extraction	$52,210	$51,420	$49,450	190
249	Physical therapist assistant Healthcare Support	$52,170	$49,310	$68,380	300
250	Dental laboratory technician Production	$52,040	$48,370	$49,610	120
251	Welder Production	$51,980	$49,440	$53,750	3,250
252	Welding, soldering, and brazing machine setter, operator, and tender Production	$51,970	$52,520	$47,920	150
253	Machinist Production	$51,860	$50,890	$58,750	830
254	Kindergarten teacher Education and Library	$51,640	$49,410	$62,680	610
255	Service unit operator, oil and gas Construction and Extraction	$51,430	$49,920	$58,160	40
256	Chemical equipment operator and tender Production	$51,430	$48,830	$58,040	230
257	Carpenter Construction and Extraction	$51,330	$48,140	$60,580	4,560
258	Firefighter Protective Service	$51,180	$48,160	$59,280	610
259	Separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setter, operator, and tender Production	$50,950	$50,780	$51,610	270
260	Graphic designer Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media	$50,880	$48,390	$62,960	470
261	Excavating and loading machine and dragline operator, surface mining Construction and Extraction	$50,850	$48,250	$57,430	280
262	Eligibility interviewer, government program Office and Administrative Support	$50,760	$52,350	$54,210	470
263	Drywall and ceiling tile installer Construction and Extraction	$50,750	$48,850	$58,930	360
264	Structural metal fabricator and fitter Production	$50,680	$50,800	$51,330	180
265	Camera operator, television, video, and film Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media	$50,620	$44,160	$74,990	50
266	Computer user support specialist Computer and Mathematical	$50,470	$48,260	$61,860	1,240
267	Highway maintenance worker Construction and Extraction	$50,470	$48,610	$50,260	1,800
268	Extruding and drawing machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic Production	$50,370	$49,620	$47,720	50
269	Dental assistant Healthcare Support	$50,170	$47,900	$48,070	1,290
270	Inspector, tester, sorter, sampler, and weigher Production	$49,990	$47,240	$48,570	1,090
271	Meeting, convention, and event planner Business and Financial	$49,950	$47,050	$61,160	340
272	Pipelayer Construction and Extraction	$49,800	$50,650	$49,000	300
273	Maintenance and repair worker, general Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$49,790	$48,100	$49,590	3,450
274	Chemical technician Science	$49,750	$49,030	$60,390	90
275	Payroll and timekeeping clerk Office and Administrative Support	$49,730	$47,680	$58,260	370
276	Coating, painting, and spraying machine setter, operator, and tender Production	$49,640	$47,980	$48,250	1,150
277	Crushing, grinding, and polishing machine setter, operator, and tender Production	$49,630	$48,330	$48,540	120
278	Director, religious activity and education Community and Social Service	$49,260	$53,360	$52,100	50
279	Community health worker Community and Social Service	$49,030	$45,700	$51,850	270
280	Cement mason and concrete finisher Construction and Extraction	$48,800	$47,160	$57,020	2,550
281	Massage therapist Healthcare Support	$48,790	$52,000	$58,450	180
282	Industrial truck and tractor operator Transportation and Material Moving	$48,730	$47,410	$46,420	1,940
283	First-line supervisor of gambling services workers Personal Care and Service	$48,670	$47,720	$63,820	60
284	Public safety telecommunicator Office and Administrative Support	$48,560	$47,900	$53,040	420
285	Jeweler and precious stone and metal worker Production	$48,520	$45,110	$52,540	90
286	Glazier Construction and Extraction	$48,370	$47,140	$57,080	220
287	First-line supervisor of housekeeping and janitorial workers Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance	$48,320	$46,860	$49,100	610
288	Hairstylist Personal Care and Service	$48,310	$49,800	$35,790	690
289	Paramedic Healthcare Practitioners	$48,290	$48,830	$60,600	280
290	Home appliance repairer Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$48,170	$47,340	$50,990	100
291	Credit counselor Business and Financial	$48,120	$48,890	$52,230	–
292	Insulation worker, floor, ceiling, and wall Construction and Extraction	$48,090	$45,820	$49,120	340
293	Fence erector Construction and Extraction	$48,010	$48,380	$47,980	170
294	Chef and head cook Food Preparation and Serving	$47,900	$48,470	$62,470	300
295	Legal secretary and administrative assistant Office and Administrative Support	$47,760	$47,790	$55,570	560
296	Cutting, punching, and press machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic Production	$47,740	$46,060	$46,330	490
297	Painter, construction and maintenance Construction and Extraction	$47,710	$48,160	$49,400	670
298	First-line supervisor of entertainment and recreation workers Personal Care and Service	$47,640	$44,470	$48,560	210
299	Loan interviewer and clerk Office and Administrative Support	$47,600	$47,000	$50,020	1,710
300	Order clerk Office and Administrative Support	$47,550	$48,010	$46,170	330
301	Travel agent Sales	$47,540	$44,510	$50,160	200
302	Agricultural equipment operator Farming, Fishing and Forestry	$47,470	$48,060	$41,730	240
303	Procurement clerk Office and Administrative Support	$47,310	$46,690	$50,580	170
304	Multiple machine tool setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic Production	$47,190	$44,700	$47,180	120
305	Maintenance worker, machinery Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$47,040	$45,240	$60,850	50
306	Roofer Construction and Extraction	$46,980	$47,710	$55,440	400
307	Driver/sales worker Transportation and Material Moving	$46,950	$45,050	$38,770	1,050
308	Mixing and blending machine setter, operator, and tender Production	$46,830	$49,000	$48,990	510
309	Medical transcriptionist Healthcare Support	$46,740	$46,070	$40,410	240
310	Cutting and slicing machine setter, operator, and tender Production	$46,700	$44,980	$46,570	460
311	Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerk Office and Administrative Support	$46,630	$46,340	$50,670	10,200
312	Biological technician Science	$46,460	$41,300	$57,510	230
313	Parts salesperson Sales	$46,410	$45,370	$38,630	2,100
314	Cabinetmaker and bench carpenter Production	$46,410	$45,950	$46,680	440
315	Marriage and family therapist Community and Social Service	$46,380	$44,870	$66,940	80
316	Medical secretary and administrative assistant Office and Administrative Support	$46,240	$45,810	$45,930	80
317	Printing press operator Production	$46,110	$44,930	$45,780	460
318	Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setter, operator, and tender Production	$45,880	$43,240	$45,760	610
319	Human resources assistant Office and Administrative Support	$45,870	$45,150	$50,610	190
320	Pharmacy technician Healthcare Practitioners	$45,750	$46,170	$45,750	1,230
321	Bill and account collector Office and Administrative Support	$45,750	$46,620	$47,030	1,120
322	Pesticide handler, sprayer, and applicator, vegetation Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance	$45,420	$46,320	$46,340	460
323	Rolling machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic Production	$45,290	$46,040	$50,140	70
324	Paper goods machine setter, operator, and tender Production	$45,160	$46,910	$50,270	130
325	Miscellaneous assembler and fabricator Production	$45,120	$43,240	$44,650	3,960
326	Adult basic education, adult secondary education, and english as a second language instructor Education and Library	$45,080	$35,760	$61,540	100
327	Septic tank servicer and sewer pipe cleaner Construction and Extraction	$45,040	$40,040	$49,880	120
328	Billing and posting clerk Office and Administrative Support	$44,980	$46,180	$48,500	770
329	Prepress technician and worker Production	$44,980	$46,370	$48,690	50
330	Coin, vending, and amusement machine servicer and repairer Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$44,900	$43,860	$47,450	290
331	Motorboat mechanic and service technician Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$44,840	$46,840	$57,550	90
332	Court, municipal, and license clerk Office and Administrative Support	$44,750	$43,850	$48,700	920
333	Manicurist and pedicurist Personal Care and Service	$44,720	$45,310	$35,760	250
334	Engine and other machine assembler Production	$44,630	$45,930	$53,710	550
335	Food and tobacco roasting, baking, and drying machine operator and tender Production	$44,340	$45,040	$44,810	120
336	Ophthalmic medical technician Healthcare Practitioners	$44,330	$42,430	$45,570	300
337	Insurance claim and policy processing clerk Office and Administrative Support	$44,310	$45,610	$49,230	1,020
338	Construction laborer Construction and Extraction	$44,310	$45,710	$47,120	1,780
339	Electrical, electronic, and electromechanical assembler Production	$44,310	$43,180	$45,850	980
340	Coach and scout Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media	$44,290	$36,360	$47,320	1,290
341	Private detective and investigator Protective Service	$44,210	$44,840	$51,220	60
342	Recreation worker Personal Care and Service	$44,200	$42,270	$36,560	650
343	Meat, poultry, and fish cutter and trimmer Production	$44,140	$44,290	$38,300	2,080
344	Light truck driver Transportation and Material Moving	$44,100	$43,240	$44,860	4,820
345	Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanic Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$44,020	$41,580	$47,880	160
346	Journalist Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media	$44,010	$43,520	$62,200	190
347	Dispatcher Office and Administrative Support	$43,860	$43,920	$50,340	860
348	Conveyor operator and tender Transportation and Material Moving	$43,820	$44,890	$42,420	500
349	Photographer Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media	$43,740	$45,330	$44,660	190
350	Veterinary technologist and technician Healthcare Practitioners	$43,660	$45,300	$47,380	300
351	Weigher, measurer, checker, and sampler, recordkeeping Office and Administrative Support	$43,590	$44,430	$46,380	330
352	Shipping, receiving, and inventory clerk Office and Administrative Support	$43,560	$43,680	$45,260	2,740
353	Merchandise displayer and window trimmer Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media	$43,220	$40,190	$39,390	320
354	Slaughterer and meat packer Production	$43,070	$44,410	$40,130	740
355	Medical equipment preparer Healthcare Support	$42,990	$42,330	$47,700	480
356	Customer service representative Office and Administrative Support	$42,940	$40,650	$44,770	6,120
357	Interviewer Office and Administrative Support	$42,930	$43,930	$45,920	590
358	Packaging and filling machine operator and tender Production	$42,880	$43,860	$43,220	1,000
359	Exercise trainer and group fitness instructor Personal Care and Service	$42,850	$40,070	$47,160	950
360	Teaching assistant, postsecondary Education and Library	$42,710	$39,840	$42,910	460
361	Molding, coremaking, and casting machine setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic Production	$42,670	$40,750	$44,350	840
362	Film and video editor Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media	$42,630	$39,090	$75,420	30
363	Optician, dispensing Healthcare Practitioners	$42,560	$43,400	$47,260	430
364	Environmental science and protection technician Science	$42,530	$44,180	$55,090	60
365	First-line supervisor of food preparation and serving workers Food Preparation and Serving	$42,530	$40,640	$44,080	2,920
366	Woodworking machine setter, operator, and tender Production	$42,470	$41,740	$43,380	490
367	Preschool teacher Education and Library	$42,440	$44,500	$38,140	1,470
368	Crossing guard and flagger Protective Service	$42,400	$46,940	$38,100	60
369	Print binding and finishing worker Production	$42,330	$41,350	$42,290	110
370	Tutor Education and Library	$42,260	$38,760	$43,350	250
371	Medical assistant Healthcare Support	$42,170	$41,870	$45,690	1,340
372	Administrative assistant Office and Administrative Support	$42,030	$41,700	$47,540	6,120
373	Broadcast announcer and radio disc jockey Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media	$41,920	$40,630	$47,340	230
374	Social science research assistant Science	$41,910	$44,820	$61,990	40
375	Bus driver Transportation and Material Moving	$41,720	$41,590	$59,050	410
376	School bus driver Transportation and Material Moving	$41,380	$39,730	$47,920	1,290
377	Farmworker and laborer, crop, nursery, and greenhouse Farming, Fishing and Forestry	$41,310	$42,260	$35,660	190
378	Farmworker, farm, ranch, and aquacultural animal Farming, Fishing and Forestry	$41,300	$38,000	$36,670	100
379	Warehouse laborer Transportation and Material Moving	$41,290	$38,980	$40,240	3,820
380	Grader and sorter, agricultural product Farming, Fishing and Forestry	$41,090	$39,900	$35,730	380
381	Butcher and meat cutter Production	$41,060	$37,310	$40,140	520
382	Tire repairer and changer Installation, Maintenance and Repair	$40,950	$38,800	$37,710	360
383	Food batchmaker Production	$40,340	$39,200	$42,290	660
384	Teller Office and Administrative Support	$40,260	$38,460	$43,030	1,560
385	Security guard Protective Service	$40,250	$37,150	$38,020	1,460
386	Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic Production	$40,130	$39,060	$46,550	130
387	Sawing machine setter, operator, and tender, wood Production	$39,940	$37,480	$42,770	260
388	Funeral attendant Personal Care and Service	$39,930	$37,170	$35,680	120
389	Machine feeder and offbearer Transportation and Material Moving	$39,770	$39,310	$41,220	660
390	Retail salesperson Sales	$39,720	$34,370	$35,410	14,180
391	Phlebotomist Healthcare Support	$39,590	$39,560	$45,230	320
392	Nursing assistant Healthcare Support	$39,510	$38,800	$42,260	6,860
393	Food cooking machine operator and tender Production	$39,480	$39,270	$41,590	120
394	Home health and personal care aide Healthcare Support	$39,260	$37,740	$35,800	4,210
395	Social and human service assistant Community and Social Service	$39,110	$38,350	$45,930	830
396	Emergency medical technician Healthcare Practitioners	$39,110	$36,800	$44,470	600
397	Office clerk, general Office and Administrative Support	$39,100	$38,560	$45,010	1,720
398	Baker Production	$39,050	$38,340	$37,160	330
399	Sewing machine operator Production	$38,630	$39,000	$36,670	300
400	Residential advisor Personal Care and Service	$38,540	$38,420	$42,240	1,780
401	Receptionist and information clerk Office and Administrative Support	$38,420	$38,280	$38,010	5,760
402	Mail clerk and mail machine operator Office and Administrative Support	$38,250	$37,580	$39,280	320
403	Pharmacy aide Healthcare Support	$37,680	$36,130	$37,680	150
404	Tour and travel guide Personal Care and Service	$37,640	$35,100	$38,120	440
405	Cook, institution and cafeteria Food Preparation and Serving	$37,630	$36,730	$37,450	2,120
406	Broadcast technician Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media	$37,600	$32,150	$59,570	40
407	Reservation and transportation ticket agent and travel clerk Office and Administrative Support	$37,130	$35,860	$44,390	230
408	Skincare specialist Personal Care and Service	$37,060	$38,230	$45,330	150
409	Gambling dealer Personal Care and Service	$37,040	$36,190	$34,320	170
410	Stocker and order filler Transportation and Material Moving	$37,000	$37,650	$37,330	11,460
411	Electrician helper Construction and Extraction	$36,940	$35,620	$42,670	300
412	Counter and rental clerk Sales	$36,870	$36,400	$41,300	690
413	Restaurant cook Food Preparation and Serving	$36,720	$36,220	$37,390	1,890
414	Landscaping and groundskeeping worker Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance	$36,600	$35,370	$39,150	2,980
415	Pipelayer, plumber, pipefitter, and steamfitter helper Construction and Extraction	$36,540	$36,500	$42,360	210
416	Automotive and watercraft service attendant Transportation and Material Moving	$36,440	$36,050	$35,670	650
417	Janitor Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance	$36,360	$35,480	$36,840	8,630
418	Floral designer Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports and Media	$36,240	$33,910	$37,360	190
419	File clerk Office and Administrative Support	$36,210	$36,640	$43,600	–
420	Shuttle driver and chauffeur Transportation and Material Moving	$35,630	$36,310	$37,290	620
421	Carpenter helper Construction and Extraction	$35,600	$34,700	$43,780	330
422	Data entry keyer Office and Administrative Support	$35,590	$34,320	$41,340	30
423	Parking attendant Transportation and Material Moving	$35,550	$34,220	$35,150	240
424	Refuse and recyclable material collector Transportation and Material Moving	$34,810	$32,950	$49,690	340
425	Cleaner of vehicles and equipment Transportation and Material Moving	$34,520	$35,050	$35,830	1,510
426	School bus monitor Protective Service	$34,330	$34,380	$35,100	140
427	Cook, short order Food Preparation and Serving	$34,180	$32,380	$35,880	2,000
428	Courier and messenger Office and Administrative Support	$34,170	$31,650	$39,200	80
429	Library technician Education and Library	$33,950	$29,590	$44,580	650
430	Physical therapist aide Healthcare Support	$33,890	$31,330	$35,240	70
431	Laundry and dry-cleaning worker Production	$33,710	$32,780	$34,890	750
432	Animal caretaker Personal Care and Service	$33,700	$30,390	$35,360	1,110
433	Veterinary assistant and laboratory animal caretaker Healthcare Support	$33,240	$34,700	$38,150	250
434	Food server, nonrestaurant Food Preparation and Serving	$32,870	$31,980	$35,360	160
435	Packer and packager, hand Transportation and Material Moving	$32,400	$28,760	$36,280	1,040
436	Housekeeper Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance	$31,990	$29,950	$35,510	3,540
437	Bartender Food Preparation and Serving	$31,940	$29,400	$34,340	3,930
438	Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerk Office and Administrative Support	$31,830	$30,550	$35,070	1,760
439	Food preparation worker Food Preparation and Serving	$31,630	$30,430	$35,320	3,270
440	Dining room and cafeteria attendant and bartender helper Food Preparation and Serving	$31,550	$29,920	$33,980	2,550
441	Gambling change person and booth cashier Sales	$31,510	$30,020	$36,220	520
442	Lifeguard, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service worker Protective Service	$31,370	$30,990	$33,580	490
443	Cashier Sales	$31,320	$29,780	$32,880	12,860
444	Fast food cook Food Preparation and Serving	$31,230	$30,950	$30,890	1,720
445	Host and hostess, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop Food Preparation and Serving	$31,000	$30,310	$31,200	630
446	Fast food worker Food Preparation and Serving	$30,900	$29,490	$31,200	15,150
447	Waiter Food Preparation and Serving	$30,860	$28,990	$35,230	7,350
448	Amusement and recreation attendant Personal Care and Service	$30,510	$29,730	$32,150	1,850
449	Childcare worker Personal Care and Service	$29,720	$27,940	$34,980	2,370
450	Teaching assistant Education and Library	$29,520	$28,220	$36,780	4,650
451	Demonstrator and product promoter Sales	$29,520	$29,560	$39,320	70
452	Usher, lobby attendant, and ticket taker Personal Care and Service	$29,470	$29,430	$32,910	320
453	Substitute teacher, short-term Education and Library	$29,220	$27,840	$41,670	1,610
454	Dishwasher Food Preparation and Serving	$29,220	$28,190	$34,810	1,240
455	Baggage porter and bellhop Personal Care and Service	$29,140	$27,490	$37,080	40

No job matches those filters.

Game Which job pays more? Guess which of two jobs earns more, keep your streak going, and play the daily 10. Game Guess the Salary Drag the slider to guess what a job pays, score up to 100, and play five new jobs a day. After tax Take-home pay calculator See what any of these salaries leaves after federal and state tax.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (published 2026), and Employment Projections education and training assignments (2025). State pages rank jobs by average (mean) salary, which BLS publishes for every job in every state; a dash means it did not publish the median. Jobs with fewer than 20,000 workers nationally are not listed.

Version 1.0

About the Highest Paying Jobs

Highest Paying Jobs ranks 515 US jobs by what they actually pay, using the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics wage survey (May 2025, published 2026). Filter the list by field, by the education a job needs to start, or by a minimum salary, and sort it by median pay, average pay, what the top 10% earn, hourly wage or the number of people in the job. Ready-made rankings answer the common questions: the highest paying jobs without a degree, with only a high school diploma, with an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree, entry-level and trade jobs, the best-paid jobs in healthcare, tech, engineering and ten other fields, and the highest paying jobs in each of the 50 states and Washington DC. Every job links to its own salary page with hourly pay, the full pay range and pay by state.

How to use it

1 Start with the full ranking, or pick a ready-made list such as jobs without a degree, a field or your state.
2 Narrow it down with the field, education and minimum pay filters, or search for a job.
3 Sort by median salary, top 10% pay, hourly wage or most workers.
4 Open any job to see its pay range, hourly and monthly pay and salary in every state.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest paying job in South Dakota?

Radiologist pays the most, with an average salary of $534,640 a year. The top three are radiologist ($534,640), CEO ($336,560), emergency medicine physician ($335,490).

How many jobs in South Dakota pay over $100,000?

50 of the 455 jobs in South Dakota have an average salary of $100,000 or more a year.

Which well-paid job in South Dakota has the most openings?

Registered nurse employs the most people among the best-paid jobs there, with about 14,710 workers and an average salary of $77,140. More people in a job usually means more openings each year.

Do jobs pay more in South Dakota?

Pay is usually higher where living costs are higher, so compare a salary with rent and taxes as well. Each job’s page shows its pay in every state, and the take-home pay calculator shows a salary after state tax.

Related tools

Job Salaries

What 500+ US jobs pay: median, hourly, pay range and salary by state from BLS data

Which Job Pays More?

A salary higher-or-lower game: guess which of two jobs pays more, with streaks and a daily 10

Take-Home Pay Calculator

Salary after tax in the UK, US (all states), Canada and Australia

Salary Converter

Hourly wage to monthly and yearly salary, and back

Minimum Wage by Country

Minimum wages per hour and month for 33 countries, in local money and US dollars

Snow Day Calculator

Chance of a school snow day or delay tomorrow for any US ZIP code, from the NWS forecast