Media & Communications South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Journalist Salary in South Dakota

The median journalist salary in South Dakota is $49,245 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary
$49,245
vs National
$-6,715
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Journalist Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level journalist earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,000 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,000
$-12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $28,160
25th Percentile $35,200
Median (50th) $49,245
75th Percentile $68,640
90th Percentile $96,800

Journalist Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for journalists in South Dakota include Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Brookings. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Sioux Falls, SD
$51,483
Pop. 192,517 · COL 92%
Rapid City, SD
$50,364
Pop. 74,703 · COL 90%
Aberdeen, SD
$47,006
Pop. 28,324 · COL 84%
Brookings, SD
$48,126
Pop. 24,194 · COL 86%
Mitchell, SD
$45,887
Pop. 15,660 · COL 82%

How to Become a Journalist in South Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). South Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Journalist Jobs in South Dakota

Browse open journalist positions in South Dakota:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Journalist make in South Dakota? ▼
The median journalist salary in South Dakota is $49,245 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $28,160 (10th percentile) to $96,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,245, a journalist in South Dakota earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for journalists? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $30,800, while senior professionals earn $88,000.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. South Dakota's median of $49,245 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($49,804) and Missouri ($49,245).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level journalist in South Dakota earns approximately $30,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $88,000.
What city in South Dakota pays journalists the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for journalists, with a median salary of $51,483. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.