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

Insurance Agent Salary in South Dakota

The median insurance agent salary in South Dakota is $50,917 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $57,860.

Median Salary
$50,917
vs National
$-6,943
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Insurance Agent Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for insurance agent compensation. Insurance Agent salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $50,917 per year, insurance agents in South Dakota earn $6,943 less than the national median of $57,860.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $50,917 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $57,860 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: insurance agents at the 10th percentile earn $26,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $103,840 — a $77,440 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 $53,231.

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

Insurance Agent Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level insurance agent earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,800 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,800
$-7,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,800
$-13,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $26,400
25th Percentile $35,200
Median (50th) $50,917
75th Percentile $72,160
90th Percentile $103,840

Insurance Agent Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for insurance agents 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 Insurance Agent in South Dakota

Education

Most insurance agent positions require a high school diploma. South Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SalesInsurance ProductsClient RelationsRisk AssessmentCommunicationCRM

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, insurance agent 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: Insurance Agent Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Insurance Agent make in South Dakota? ▼
The median insurance agent salary in South Dakota is $50,917 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $57,860. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $103,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Insurance Agent make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,917, a insurance agent in South Dakota earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for insurance agents? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for insurance agent pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level insurance agents earn $28,160, while senior professionals earn $96,800.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for insurance agent salary? ▼
The highest paying state for insurance agents is Hawaii at $98,362. South Dakota's median of $50,917 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($51,495) and Missouri ($50,917).
What is the entry-level insurance agent salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level insurance agent in South Dakota earns approximately $28,160 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $52,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $96,800.
What city in South Dakota pays insurance agents the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for insurance agents, with a median salary of $53,231. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.