Healthcare South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Emergency Medicine Physician Salary in South Dakota

The median emergency medicine physician salary in South Dakota is $272,800 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $310,000.

Median Salary
$272,800
vs National
$-37,200
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Emergency Medicine Physician Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for emergency medicine physician compensation. Emergency Medicine Physician salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $272,800 per year, emergency medicine physicians in South Dakota earn $37,200 less than the national median of $310,000.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $272,800 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $310,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: emergency medicine physicians at the 10th percentile earn $158,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $418,000 — a $259,600 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 $285,200.

Nationally, emergency medicine physician employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for emergency medicine physicians across the country.

Emergency Medicine Physician Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level emergency medicine physician earns around $162,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $404,800 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$162,800
$-22,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$277,200
$-37,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$404,800
$-55,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $158,400
25th Percentile $211,200
Median (50th) $272,800
75th Percentile $352,000
90th Percentile $418,000

Emergency Medicine Physician Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for emergency medicine physicians 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 Emergency Medicine Physician in South Dakota

Education

Most emergency medicine physician positions require a doctoral degree. South Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Emergency MedicineTrauma CareTriageCritical CareProceduresDecision Making

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, emergency medicine physician employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). South Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Emergency Medicine Physician Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Emergency Medicine Physician make in South Dakota? ▼
The median emergency medicine physician salary in South Dakota is $272,800 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $310,000. Salaries range from $158,400 (10th percentile) to $418,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Emergency Medicine Physician make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $272,800, a emergency medicine physician in South Dakota earns approximately $131 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for emergency medicine physicians? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for emergency medicine physician pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level emergency medicine physicians earn $162,800, while senior professionals earn $404,800.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for emergency medicine physician salary? ▼
The highest paying state for emergency medicine physicians is Hawaii at $551,800. South Dakota's median of $272,800 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($275,900) and Missouri ($272,800).
What is the entry-level emergency medicine physician salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level emergency medicine physician in South Dakota earns approximately $162,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $277,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $404,800.
What city in South Dakota pays emergency medicine physicians the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for emergency medicine physicians, with a median salary of $285,200. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.