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

Financial Controller Salary in South Dakota

The median financial controller salary in South Dakota is $110,000 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $125,000.

Median Salary
$110,000
vs National
$-15,000
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Financial Controller Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for financial controller compensation. Financial Controller salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $110,000 per year, financial controllers in South Dakota earn $15,000 less than the national median of $125,000.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $110,000 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $125,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: financial controllers at the 10th percentile earn $68,640, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $174,240 — a $105,600 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 $115,000.

Nationally, financial controller employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for financial controllers across the country.

Financial Controller Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level financial controller earns around $72,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $167,200 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,640
$-15,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$167,200
$-22,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $68,640
25th Percentile $86,240
Median (50th) $110,000
75th Percentile $142,560
90th Percentile $174,240

Financial Controller Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for financial controllers 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 Controller in South Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Financial ReportingGAAPERP SystemsBudgetingTeam LeadershipTax Compliance

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, financial controller employment is projected to grow 6% 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: Financial Controller Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Financial Controller make in South Dakota? ▼
The median financial controller salary in South Dakota is $110,000 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $68,640 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Controller make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $110,000, a financial controller in South Dakota earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for financial controllers? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for financial controller pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level financial controllers earn $72,160, while senior professionals earn $167,200.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for financial controller salary? ▼
The highest paying state for financial controllers is Hawaii at $212,500. South Dakota's median of $110,000 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($111,250) and Missouri ($110,000).
What is the entry-level financial controller salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level financial controller in South Dakota earns approximately $72,160 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $112,640. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $167,200.
What city in South Dakota pays financial controllers the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for financial controllers, with a median salary of $115,000. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.