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

Real Estate Agent Salary in South Dakota

The median real estate agent salary in South Dakota is $45,786 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $52,030.

Median Salary
$45,786
vs National
$-6,244
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Real Estate Agent Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for real estate agent compensation. Real Estate Agent salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $45,786 per year, real estate agents in South Dakota earn $6,244 less than the national median of $52,030.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $45,786 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $52,030 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: real estate agents at the 10th percentile earn $25,344, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $98,912 — a $73,568 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 $47,868.

Nationally, real estate agent employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for real estate agents across the country.

Real Estate Agent Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level real estate agent earns around $26,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,800 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,400
$-3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,400
$-6,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,800
$-13,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $25,344
25th Percentile $31,152
Median (50th) $45,786
75th Percentile $67,056
90th Percentile $98,912

Real Estate Agent Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for real estate agents 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 Real Estate Agent in South Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

NegotiationMarket AnalysisCustomer ServiceMLS SystemsMarketingContract Knowledge

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, real estate agent 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Real Estate Agent Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Real Estate Agent make in South Dakota? ▼
The median real estate agent salary in South Dakota is $45,786 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $52,030. Salaries range from $25,344 (10th percentile) to $98,912 (90th percentile).
How much does a Real Estate Agent make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,786, a real estate agent in South Dakota earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for real estate agents? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for real estate agent pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level real estate agents earn $26,400, while senior professionals earn $96,800.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for real estate agent salary? ▼
The highest paying state for real estate agents is Hawaii at $88,451. South Dakota's median of $45,786 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($46,307) and Missouri ($45,786).
What is the entry-level real estate agent salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level real estate agent in South Dakota earns approximately $26,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $96,800.
What city in South Dakota pays real estate agents the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for real estate agents, with a median salary of $47,868. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.