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

Photographer Salary in South Dakota

The median photographer salary in South Dakota is $35,376 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $40,200.

Median Salary
$35,376
vs National
$-4,824
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Photographer Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level photographer earns around $22,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,000 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,880
$-3,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,960
$-5,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,000
$-9,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $21,120
25th Percentile $26,400
Median (50th) $35,376
75th Percentile $51,040
90th Percentile $72,160

Photographer Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for photographers 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
$36,984
Pop. 192,517 · COL 92%
Rapid City, SD
$36,180
Pop. 74,703 · COL 90%
Aberdeen, SD
$33,768
Pop. 28,324 · COL 84%
Brookings, SD
$34,572
Pop. 24,194 · COL 86%
Mitchell, SD
$32,964
Pop. 15,660 · COL 82%

How to Become a Photographer in South Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, photographer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). South Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Photographer Jobs in South Dakota

Browse open photographer positions in South Dakota:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Photographer make in South Dakota? ▼
The median photographer salary in South Dakota is $35,376 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $21,120 (10th percentile) to $72,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,376, a photographer in South Dakota earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for photographers? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for photographer pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level photographers earn $22,880, while senior professionals earn $66,000.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. South Dakota's median of $35,376 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($35,778) and Missouri ($35,376).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level photographer in South Dakota earns approximately $22,880 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $36,960. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $66,000.
What city in South Dakota pays photographers the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for photographers, with a median salary of $36,984. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.