Legal South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Lawyer Salary in South Dakota

The median lawyer salary in South Dakota is $119,451 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $135,740.

Median Salary
$119,451
vs National
$-16,289
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Lawyer Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level lawyer earns around $61,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $193,600 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,600
$-8,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,440
$-16,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$193,600
$-26,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $57,200
25th Percentile $74,800
Median (50th) $119,451
75th Percentile $163,680
90th Percentile $210,496

Lawyer Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for lawyers 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 Lawyer in South Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). South Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.