Creative & Education South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Archivist Salary in South Dakota

The median archivist salary in South Dakota is $51,603 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $58,640.

Median Salary
$51,603
vs National
$-7,037
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Archivist Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for archivist compensation. Archivist salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $51,603 per year, archivists in South Dakota earn $7,037 less than the national median of $58,640.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $51,603 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $58,640 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: archivists at the 10th percentile earn $31,680, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $82,720 — a $51,040 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Dakota for this role is Sioux Falls, where the median reaches $53,949.

Nationally, archivist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for archivists across the country.

Archivist Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level archivist earns around $33,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,440
$-4,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,800
$-7,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,440
$-10,560 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $31,680
25th Percentile $40,480
Median (50th) $51,603
75th Percentile $66,880
90th Percentile $82,720

Archivist Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for archivists in South Dakota include Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Brookings. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Archivist in South Dakota

Education

Most archivist positions require a master's degree. South Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Archival ScienceCatalogingDigital PreservationResearchDatabase ManagementMetadata

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, archivist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). South Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Archivist Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Archivist make in South Dakota? ▼
The median archivist salary in South Dakota is $51,603 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $58,640. Salaries range from $31,680 (10th percentile) to $82,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Archivist make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,603, a archivist in South Dakota earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for archivists? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for archivist pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level archivists earn $33,440, while senior professionals earn $77,440.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for archivist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for archivists is Hawaii at $99,688. South Dakota's median of $51,603 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($52,190) and Missouri ($51,603).
What is the entry-level archivist salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level archivist in South Dakota earns approximately $33,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $52,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $77,440.
What city in South Dakota pays archivists the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for archivists, with a median salary of $53,949. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.