Personal Care & Fitness South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Barber Salary in South Dakota

The median barber salary in South Dakota is $31,451 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $35,740.

Median Salary
$31,451
vs National
$-4,289
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Barber Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for barber compensation. Barber salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $31,451 per year, barbers in South Dakota earn $4,289 less than the national median of $35,740.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $31,451 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $35,740 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: barbers at the 10th percentile earn $20,240, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $54,560 — a $34,320 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 $32,881.

Nationally, barber employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for barbers across the country.

Barber Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level barber earns around $22,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $51,040 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,000
$-3,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$32,560
$-4,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $20,240
25th Percentile $24,640
Median (50th) $31,451
75th Percentile $42,240
90th Percentile $54,560

Barber Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for barbers 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 Barber in South Dakota

Education

Most barber positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. South Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

HaircuttingShavingClient ConsultationSanitationStylingBusiness Management

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, barber employment is projected to grow 7% 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: Barber Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Barber make in South Dakota? ▼
The median barber salary in South Dakota is $31,451 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $35,740. Salaries range from $20,240 (10th percentile) to $54,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Barber make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,451, a barber in South Dakota earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for barbers? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for barber pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level barbers earn $22,000, while senior professionals earn $51,040.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for barber salary? ▼
The highest paying state for barbers is Hawaii at $60,758. South Dakota's median of $31,451 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($31,809) and Missouri ($31,451).
What is the entry-level barber salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level barber in South Dakota earns approximately $22,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $32,560. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $51,040.
What city in South Dakota pays barbers the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for barbers, with a median salary of $32,881. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.