Legal South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Judge Salary in South Dakota

The median judge salary in South Dakota is $130,266 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $148,030.

Median Salary
$130,266
vs National
$-17,764
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Judge Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level judge earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$132,000
$-18,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$189,200
$-25,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $51,040
25th Percentile $79,200
Median (50th) $130,266
75th Percentile $171,600
90th Percentile $202,400

Judge Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for judges 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 Judge in South Dakota

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. South Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal InterpretationJudicial ReasoningCourt ProceduresImpartialityLegal WritingCase Management

Job Outlook in South Dakota

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