Find a Job You Really Want In
When you think of South Dakota, you might envision breathtaking hikes, delicious home-cooked meals, and a rich cultural heritage. However, the state also boasts a robust economy and a thriving job market that continues to evolve.
At Zippia, we analyze local economies to identify which sectors are flourishing, providing valuable insights for job seekers and those considering relocation for work.
In this article, we delve into the best industries in South Dakota as we head into 2026.
After analyzing the most recent data, we present the top five industries for job seekers in South Dakota:
Continue reading to discover how we identified these industries as the best choices for employment.
If you’re interested, explore more about the South Dakota job landscape here:
How We Identified the Best Industries in South Dakota for Jobs
We rely on data-driven insights to provide clarity on the job market. Our mission involved gathering extensive information about the South Dakota job landscape.
We evaluated various criteria to determine the best industries:
- Average Salary
- Job Availability
- Job Stress Levels
Data sources include the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor.
Job stress levels are based on self-reported data from industry professionals, with a ranking scale from 1 to 22, where 1 denotes the lowest stress level.
We then averaged these rankings to generate a ‘Best Industry’ index, with the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical industry emerging as the top sector in South Dakota.
For a detailed breakdown of the data, see the table below. Now, let’s explore why these industries stand out for job seekers.
Detailed List of the Best Industries in South Dakota
| Rank | Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $69,230 |
| 2 | Architecture and Engineering | $65,470 |
| 3 | Life, Physical, and Social Science | $54,800 |
| 4 | Education, Training, and Library | $42,210 |
| 5 | Production and Manufacturing | $33,310 |
| 6 | Management | $104,970 |
| 7 | Community and Social Service | $39,590 |
| 8 | Business and Financial Operations | $63,450 |
| 9 | Office and Administrative Support | $30,690 |
| 10 | Computer and Mathematical | $63,930 |
| 11 | Construction and Extraction | $38,300 |
| 12 | Legal | $73,390 |
| 13 | Sales | $37,360 |
| 14 | Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $28,490 |
| 15 | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $37,980 |
| 16 | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $44,560 |
| 17 | Transportation | $32,550 |
| 18 | Personal Care and Service | $24,930 |
| 19 | Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $24,990 |
| 20 | Food Preparation and Serving Related | $21,890 |
| 21 | Protective Service | $39,360 |
| 22 | Healthcare Support | $27,500 |
Summary of the Best Industries in South Dakota
In summary, the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical industry stands out as the top field for job seekers in South Dakota. Conversely, the Healthcare Support industry ranks lowest due to lower wages and limited job opportunities.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
