Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in South Dakota 2024 (Inc Salaries)

South Dakota is hiring, and now is the best time to explore all the fantastic opportunities the Sunshine State has in store for you.

This right-to-work state has over 20,000 job openings and a projected occupational growth rate of 8.5%, offering plenty of opportunities for job seekers. It also has a cost of living of 6% lower than the US average, a high wage average, and no income tax policy, which is plus points for those who are just starting in their careers.

But wait, there's a lot more from where it came from. In addition to these fantastic career-related benefits, the state ranks 11^th in US News’ list of Best States Overall. Having the shortest commute times and lowest housing costs also makes it the 3^rd least stressed state in the nation.

If you’re ready to explore all the amazing opportunities in this state, take a look at our list of the high paying jobs in SD for 2024 below.

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in South Dakota 2024 (Inc Salaries)

1. Cardiologist

• Salary Range: $328,000 to $613,000, with an annual median wage of $316,300

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% (600 job vacancies) 

Cardiologists are the medical doctors best qualified to treat and manage health problems affecting the heart and other parts of the cardiovascular system.

They help patients manage chronic heart diseases like hypertension, heart infections, and arrhythmias through medications, lifestyle advice, and routine check-ups. Additionally, they are in charge of delivering urgent medical care to patients experiencing heart attacks or dealing with heart failure.

In addition to obtaining their medical degrees, aspiring cardiologists must undertake a cardiology residency program (and fellowship training if they want). After that, they need to get their medical license by passing the USMLE and gain board certification by passing the American Board of Internal Medicine examination. 

According to ZipRecruiter, Pierre offers the best salaries for cardiologists in South Dakota.

2. Radiologist

• Salary Range: $321,000 to $599,000, with an average yearly pay of $310,300

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 4% (1,100 employment opportunities) 

Radiologists are the medical industry's diagnostic experts. They have in-depth knowledge of the operation of diagnostic imaging equipment and the interpretation of exam results.

In addition to delivering diagnostic services, they also play an essential role in image-guided procedures and deliver radiation therapy to cancer patients.

Once they have completed medical school and passed the first part of the USMLE, the next step is to finish a radiology residency program. Afterwards, they must pass the last two parts of the USMLE to get licensed and the examination administered by the American Board of Radiology to become board-certified radiologists. 

Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Aberdeen are the SD cities with the most radiologist jobs.

3. Psychiatrist

• Salary Range: $214,000 to $400,000, with an expected pay of $216,700 per year

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 7% (1,900 new jobs) 

Psychiatrists are mental health doctors who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing complex disorders. In addition to providing psychotherapy, they are also licensed to prescribe medications and offer a wide range of psychiatric services, like in-patient or residential mental health treatment, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and other stimulation therapies.

After getting a Medical Doctor (MD) degree, prospective psychiatrists need to complete a residency program in psychiatry, pass the USMLE to obtain licensure, and get board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. 

As per ZipRecruiter, Attending psychiatrists, correctional psychiatrists, and virtual child psychiatrists are some of the best-paying psychiatrist-related jobs in SD.

4. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

• Salary Range: $191,000 to $355,000, with an estimated annual pay of $198,800

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 9% (4,500 job vacancies) 

CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who collaborate with anesthesiologists and other surgery team members to provide high-quality to provide high-quality anaesthesia care to surgical patients.

They are also responsible for providing patient care before and after the surgery. They discuss the anesthesia's potential side effects with the patients before the surgery, oversee the patient's recovery, and provide pain management services to them after the procedure.

To become CRNAs, registered nurses must earn at least one year of experience in critical care nursing after obtaining an MSN or DNP degree and passing the NCLEX-RN. They must also attend an accredited nurse anesthetists program and pass the National Certification Examination for Nurse Anesthetists.

There are 360 nurse anesthetists in South Dakota, making it one of the states with the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients for this role.

5. Orthodontist

• Salary Range: $184,000 to $339,000, with a median yearly salary of $192,900

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 4% (300 new jobs) 

Orthodontists are dentists who have acquired additional training and education to become experts in straightening crooked teeth, fixing bite problems, and correcting jaw misalignment disorders. They improve the appearance of the patient's mouth and teeth and ensure that the teeth and jaw function and are set properly.

They specialize in formulating treatment plans involving retainers and braces and installing various dental appliances, such as palatal expanders and orthodontic headgear.

After completing dental school, earning their DMD or DDS degree, and passing the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE), aspiring orthodontists still need to finish an orthodontics residency program.

The last step is to pass clinical examinations and written tests administered by the American Board of Orthodontics to become a board-certified orthodontist.  

Rapid City is the best-paying SD city for orthodontists, with an average salary that is 6.2% higher than the SD average.

6. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

• Salary Range: $173,000 to $323,000, with an average annual wage of $128,000

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% (311,600 job openings)

*projected growth rate includes demand for general and operations managers

 CEOs are the company's highest-ranking officers and have extensive executive management responsibilities. Their main role is to set the company's direction and goals and formulate steps and strategies for achieving them.

In addition, they provide progress and finance reports to the board of directors and bridge the communication between them and the staff.

Most of these roles started in an entry level position in the field and grew into higher positions. This means that experience, expertise, and skills are essential in addition to the applicant's educational attainment.

That’s why aspiring CEOs must earn years of experience in a managerial role. But more than that, they should also strive to expand their business network and build strong industry connections. 

According to BLS, South Dakota ranks 3^rd in the list of states offering the highest salaries for CEOs.

7. Truck Driver/ Owner Operator

• Salary Range: $119,000 to $174,000, with an estimated total pay of $127,000

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 4% (89,300 employment opportunities)

*projected growth rate is for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers

This occupation combines the roles and responsibilities of a truck business owner and driver. This means that the owner will finance and invest in the trucks, handle the administrative aspects of the business, drive the trucks, and load and unload the cargo themselves. 

A commercial driver's license (CDL) and a business license are the two essential credentials to becoming a truck driver/owner-operator. Aspiring owner-operators must pass written exams and driving tests to obtain a CDL with the suitable class (based on the type of truck they will drive). On the other hand, they need to get a US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) Numbers and purchase their trucks and truck insurance to become eligible for a trucking business license.

There is no educational requirement to become a truck driver-owner-operator, but having a business degree is highly recommended.

8. Optometrist

• Salary Range: $120,000 to $189,000, with a projected yearly pay of $125,000

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 9% (1,700 new jobs) 

Optometrists are eye doctors who conduct eye exams and vision tests and diagnose, treat, and manage common eye problems, including vision problems, eye inflammation, and infections.

While they can diagnose more complicated conditions like glaucoma and cataracts, they are not authorized to treat them. In cases like these, they need to refer the patients to an ophthalmologist for the necessary treatment.

Even though they are considered doctors, optometrists have a Doctor of Optometry (DO) degree instead of a Medical Doctor (MD) degree. After earning their degree, they must still pass all parts of the National Boards of Examiners in Optometry examinations to secure their license. 

There are 190 optometrists in South Dakota, making it one of the states with the highest concentration of jobs and location quotients for this position.

9. Pharmacist

• Salary Range: $109,000 to $152,000, with a median yearly wage of $117,800

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% (8,700 job vacancies) 

Pharmacists are healthcare professionals with extensive knowledge and training about drugs and medications. For most people, their role is to dispense medications according to doctor's orders, but their responsibilities go beyond that.

They also provide blood pressure and sugar monitoring services, customize medications according to patient's needs, and provide advice on the medication's side effects and potential drug and food interactions. In the clinical setting, they also advise other healthcare professionals on medication options and dosing recommendations.

In SD, pharmacists can only practice with a license. To get their license, aspiring pharmacists must obtain a PharmD degree and pass the NAPLEX and MPJE examinations.

Completing a residency program or fellowship training is recommended for those seeking clinical positions or more advanced roles. 

Chief pharmacist and research pharmacist are the highest-paying pharmacist positions in South Dakota.

10. Construction Manager

• Salary Range: $101,000 to $168,000, with an average annual salary of $97,500

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 5% (38,700 employment openings) 

Also known as project managers or construction contractors, these professionals oversee all the aspects and stages of the construction project, from design to completion.

They are responsible for ensuring that the project will be carried out according to the project timeline, budget, and specifications. They are also in charge of ensuring that the staff operates according to safety regulations.

Even though most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in engineering or architecture, aspiring CMs can also land an entry-level position with a combination of an associate degree and relevant work experience.

To increase the chances of landing construction manager jobs, it’s also recommended that they obtain a few licenses and certifications, including:

• Associate Construction certification from the American Institute of Contractors (AIC)

• Outreach Training Program provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

• Certified Construction Manager from the Construction Management Association of America

Since an MBA degree can help professionals develop good management skills and business acumen, earning one is recommended for this role. 

Mitchell offers the best salaries for general construction professionals, offering a median annual wage of 16.8% above the SD average.

FAQs

What is the highest-paying job within South Dakota State in 2024?

A physician will be the highest-paying job in South Dakota and one of the highest-paying jobs in the US in 2024. At the top of the list are cardiologists with an average salary of $316,300.

Two other medical specialties closely follow this occupation: radiologists ($310,300) and psychiatrists ($216,700).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which South Dakota jobs are projected to have the highest level of growth?

With a projected growth rate of 9%, the two fastest-growing jobs in South Dakota are nurse anesthetists and optometrists, which are expected to generate 4,500 new jobs and 1,700 employment opportunities, respectively.

What is the best career path in South Dakota in 2024?

With three medical specialties at the top and four healthcare jobs on the list, the medical and healthcare industry is the best career path in SD this year.

If your qualifications differ from these fields, try exploring the business and construction sectors, the next best career options in this state.

What skills or expertise are required for high-paying South Dakota jobs?

Technical expertise, such as clinical and patient skills and medical, construction, and business knowledge, is necessary to enter your chosen sector.

However, soft skills are a must for career growth. Some soft skills that can take your career to new heights are communication and collaboration, problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, time management, and adaptability and flexibility.

Lastly, networking, leadership, and management skills are the top-tier skills that can help you land better-paying jobs and higher roles. 

Download Our Free Report here to know if you have the skills to land your dream job!

What qualifications are required for high-paying South Dakota jobs?

These high-paying SD jobs require education, licensing, and experience. For example, you need a medical degree and license to become a physician and a doctoral degree and license to become a pharmacist, optometrist, and orthodontist.

On the other hand, to work in the construction or business sector, you need years of experience and a business or management degree.

An advanced business degree, like an MBA, is recommended for anyone who wishes to advance their careers, regardless of industry.

Why is gaining a BBA/MBA degree beneficial to earn a high-paying job in South Dakota?

A business degree is a valuable tool for all professionals because it teaches a wide range of soft skills.

For one, it helps people develop good management and leadership skills, increasing their chances of getting hired for higher positions. It also equips them with the knowledge to establish their practices and businesses. 

It also gives access to an extensive business network, where individuals can hone their networking skills and build vital industry connections.

Because of all these fantastic benefits, a professional with an MBA or BBA degree can enjoy better career and job prospects and higher salaries.

Conclusion

From healthcare occupations to business jobs, South Dakota certainly has them all. In addition to offering plenty of employment, the state also provides the best salaries.

Of course, the competition to land these high-paying jobs is tough and will get even more challenging as the years go by. If you want to increase your earning potential, now is the best time to pay attention to the most important factor that can affect your salary levels—your education level.

We've said it before, and we'll say it again—having a business degree can help you advance your career. It can help you develop all the soft skills you need, establish your business network, and open up opportunities that can further advance your career.

Nexford is here to help you achieve all these and more. They offer online BBA and MBA programs that you can complete at your own pace and customize according to your needs. Thus, you can learn while you earn and enjoy the next generation of learning.