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

Fundraiser Salary in South Dakota

The median fundraiser salary in South Dakota is $56,461 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $64,160.

Median Salary
$56,461
vs National
$-7,699
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Fundraiser Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for fundraiser compensation. Fundraiser salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $56,461 per year, fundraisers in South Dakota earn $7,699 less than the national median of $64,160.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $56,461 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $64,160 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: fundraisers at the 10th percentile earn $31,680, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $101,200 — a $69,520 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 $59,027.

Nationally, fundraiser employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for fundraisers across the country.

Fundraiser Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level fundraiser earns around $33,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,040 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,440
$-4,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,080
$-7,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,040
$-12,960 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $31,680
25th Percentile $40,480
Median (50th) $56,461
75th Percentile $77,440
90th Percentile $101,200

Fundraiser Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for fundraisers 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 Fundraiser in South Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

FundraisingGrant WritingEvent PlanningDonor RelationsCRMCommunication

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, fundraiser employment is projected to grow 10% 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: Fundraiser Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Fundraiser make in South Dakota? ▼
The median fundraiser salary in South Dakota is $56,461 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $64,160. Salaries range from $31,680 (10th percentile) to $101,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Fundraiser make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,461, a fundraiser in South Dakota earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for fundraisers? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for fundraiser pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level fundraisers earn $33,440, while senior professionals earn $95,040.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for fundraiser salary? ▼
The highest paying state for fundraisers is Hawaii at $109,072. South Dakota's median of $56,461 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($57,102) and Missouri ($56,461).
What is the entry-level fundraiser salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level fundraiser in South Dakota earns approximately $33,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $58,080. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $95,040.
What city in South Dakota pays fundraisers the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for fundraisers, with a median salary of $59,027. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.