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

Project Manager Salary in South Dakota

The median project manager salary in South Dakota is $83,926 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $95,370.

Median Salary
$83,926
vs National
$-11,444
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Project Manager Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for project manager compensation. Project Manager salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $83,926 per year, project managers in South Dakota earn $11,444 less than the national median of $95,370.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $83,926 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $95,370 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: project managers at the 10th percentile earn $49,456, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $140,008 — a $90,552 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 $87,740.

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

Project Manager Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level project manager earns around $51,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,600 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,480
$-11,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,600
$-17,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $49,456
25th Percentile $64,240
Median (50th) $83,926
75th Percentile $110,880
90th Percentile $140,008

Project Manager Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for project managers 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 Project Manager in South Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Agile/ScrumRisk ManagementBudgetingStakeholder CommunicationJIRA/AsanaPMP Certification

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, project manager 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: Project Manager Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Project Manager make in South Dakota? ▼
The median project manager salary in South Dakota is $83,926 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $95,370. Salaries range from $49,456 (10th percentile) to $140,008 (90th percentile).
How much does a Project Manager make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,926, a project manager in South Dakota earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for project managers? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for project manager pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level project managers earn $51,040, while senior professionals earn $127,600.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for project manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for project managers is Hawaii at $162,129. South Dakota's median of $83,926 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($84,879) and Missouri ($83,926).
What is the entry-level project manager salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level project manager in South Dakota earns approximately $51,040 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $84,480. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $127,600.
What city in South Dakota pays project managers the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for project managers, with a median salary of $87,740. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.