South Dakota Bhr (2025)

FAQs

How do people make a living in South Dakota? ›

Agriculture and related industries still comprise the state's largest economic sector, contributing nearly 130,000 jobs and $11.6 billion in household income. South Dakota's manufacturing sector employs 44,000 residents with an average annual wage of $56,072.

The Difference Between Part-Time and Full-Time Employment in South Dakota. South Dakota has no law or regulation establishing how many hours you must work to be full-time or part-time. Thus, it is up to each company to set how many hours an employee must work to be part-time or full-time.

Now, a new survey outlines how much someone needs to earn as a “living wage” to live comfortably in all 50 U.S. states. If you're a single person in South Dakota, you need $52,095 to live comfortably. South Dakota rates 22nd from the lowest in the 50 states.

The new rate of $11.20 per hour is up from $10.80 in 2023. The new rate became effective on January 1, 2024, and applies to all non-tipped employees in South Dakota. The minimum wage does not apply to independent contractors.

A day's labor for employees is to the extent as is usual in the business in which they serve not exceeding ten hours in the day unless the employer and employee expressly agree to the contrary. Source: CivC 1877, § 1161; CL 1887, § 3784; RCivC 1903, § 1480; RC 1919, § 1104; SDC 1939, § 17.0505; SL 1984, ch 332.

In the following states, right-to-work laws designate that payment of union dues or fees can't be a requirement for employment: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, ...

The economy of South Dakota is based mainly on agricultural production, but tourism, forestry, and mining have increased in importance.

There is a wide variety of jobs in South Dakota, so it may be helpful to consider in-demand roles to help you find your next career. As of July 21, 2023, South Dakota has the nation's 2nd lowest unemployment rate, 1.8% , according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

In 2022, the per capita personal income in South Dakota was 68,176 U.S. dollars.

South Dakota boasts a low cost of living compared to many other states, with affordable housing, utilities, and overall expenses. Cities like Sioux Falls offer residents access to affordable housing options, with median home prices and rental rates below the national average.