Media & Communications South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Editor Salary in South Dakota

The median editor salary in South Dakota is $64,310 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $73,080.

Median Salary
$64,310
vs National
$-8,770
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Editor Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for editor compensation. Editor salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $64,310 per year, editors in South Dakota earn $8,770 less than the national median of $73,080.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $64,310 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $73,080 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: editors at the 10th percentile earn $35,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $116,160 — a $80,960 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 $67,234.

Nationally, editor employment is projected to grow -5% over the next decade (decline). Despite slower growth nationally, experienced editors with in-demand specializations continue to command strong salaries.

Editor Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level editor earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,000 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,000
$-9,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,000
$-15,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $35,200
25th Percentile $46,640
Median (50th) $64,310
75th Percentile $86,240
90th Percentile $116,160

Editor Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for editors 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 Editor in South Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

EditingAP/Chicago StyleCMS PlatformsContent StrategyFact-CheckingCommunication

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, editor employment is projected to grow -5% over the next decade (decline). South Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Editor Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Editor make in South Dakota? ▼
The median editor salary in South Dakota is $64,310 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $73,080. Salaries range from $35,200 (10th percentile) to $116,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Editor make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,310, a editor in South Dakota earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for editors? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for editor pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level editors earn $36,960, while senior professionals earn $110,000.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for editor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for editors is Hawaii at $124,236. South Dakota's median of $64,310 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($65,041) and Missouri ($64,310).
What is the entry-level editor salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level editor in South Dakota earns approximately $36,960 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $66,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $110,000.
What city in South Dakota pays editors the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for editors, with a median salary of $67,234. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.