Business & Finance South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Financial Advisor Salary in South Dakota

The median financial advisor salary in South Dakota is $83,943 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $95,390.

Median Salary
$83,943
vs National
$-11,447
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Financial Advisor Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for financial advisor compensation. Financial Advisor salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $83,943 per year, financial advisors in South Dakota earn $11,447 less than the national median of $95,390.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $83,943 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $95,390 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: financial advisors at the 10th percentile earn $39,072, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $210,320 — a $171,248 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 $87,759.

Nationally, financial advisor employment is projected to grow 13% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in South Dakota and beyond.

Financial Advisor Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level financial advisor earns around $42,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $158,400 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$158,400
$-21,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $39,072
25th Percentile $54,912
Median (50th) $83,943
75th Percentile $131,120
90th Percentile $210,320

Financial Advisor Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for financial advisors 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 Financial Advisor in South Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Investment PlanningPortfolio ManagementTax PlanningClient RelationsFinancial AnalysisCFA/CFP

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, financial advisor employment is projected to grow 13% over the next decade (much faster than average). South Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Advisor Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Financial Advisor make in South Dakota? ▼
The median financial advisor salary in South Dakota is $83,943 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $95,390. Salaries range from $39,072 (10th percentile) to $210,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Advisor make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,943, a financial advisor in South Dakota earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for financial advisors? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for financial advisor pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level financial advisors earn $42,240, while senior professionals earn $158,400.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for financial advisor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for financial advisors is Hawaii at $162,163. South Dakota's median of $83,943 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($84,897) and Missouri ($83,943).
What is the entry-level financial advisor salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level financial advisor in South Dakota earns approximately $42,240 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $83,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $158,400.
What city in South Dakota pays financial advisors the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for financial advisors, with a median salary of $87,759. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.