Healthcare South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Psychiatrist Salary in South Dakota

The median psychiatrist salary in South Dakota is $224,954 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $255,630.

Median Salary
$224,954
vs National
$-30,676
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Psychiatrist Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for psychiatrist compensation. Psychiatrist salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $224,954 per year, psychiatrists in South Dakota earn $30,676 less than the national median of $255,630.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $224,954 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $255,630 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: psychiatrists at the 10th percentile earn $105,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $352,000 — a $246,400 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 $235,180.

Nationally, psychiatrist employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for psychiatrists across the country.

Psychiatrist Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level psychiatrist earns around $110,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $338,800 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$110,000
$-15,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$227,040
$-30,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$338,800
$-46,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $105,600
25th Percentile $154,000
Median (50th) $224,954
75th Percentile $290,400
90th Percentile $352,000

Psychiatrist Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for psychiatrists 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 Psychiatrist in South Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

PsychiatryPsychopharmacologyCBT/DBTDiagnosisPatient AssessmentDocumentation

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, psychiatrist employment is projected to grow 7% 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: Psychiatrist Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Psychiatrist make in South Dakota? ▼
The median psychiatrist salary in South Dakota is $224,954 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $255,630. Salaries range from $105,600 (10th percentile) to $352,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychiatrist make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $224,954, a psychiatrist in South Dakota earns approximately $108 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for psychiatrists? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for psychiatrist pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level psychiatrists earn $110,000, while senior professionals earn $338,800.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for psychiatrist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for psychiatrists is Hawaii at $455,021. South Dakota's median of $224,954 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($227,511) and Missouri ($224,954).
What is the entry-level psychiatrist salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level psychiatrist in South Dakota earns approximately $110,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $227,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $338,800.
What city in South Dakota pays psychiatrists the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for psychiatrists, with a median salary of $235,180. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.