Technology South Dakota (SD) Rank #45 of 50

Site Reliability Engineer Salary in South Dakota

The median site reliability engineer salary in South Dakota is $120,350 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $145,000.

Median Salary
$120,350
vs National
$-24,650
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Site Reliability Engineer Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #45 out of 50 states for site reliability engineer compensation. Site Reliability Engineer salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $120,350 per year, site reliability engineers in South Dakota earn $24,650 less than the national median of $145,000.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $120,350 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $136,761 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: site reliability engineers at the 10th percentile earn $73,040, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $182,600 — a $109,560 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 $126,150.

Nationally, site reliability engineer employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in South Dakota and beyond.

Site Reliability Engineer Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level site reliability engineer earns around $76,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $174,300 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,360
$-15,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$122,840
$-25,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$174,300
$-35,700 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $73,040
25th Percentile $95,450
Median (50th) $120,350
75th Percentile $153,550
90th Percentile $182,600

Site Reliability Engineer Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for site reliability engineers 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 Site Reliability Engineer in South Dakota

Education

Most site reliability engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. South Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

LinuxKubernetesTerraformPythonMonitoring ToolsIncident Response

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, site reliability engineer employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). South Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Site Reliability Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $53,950 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Site Reliability Engineer Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Site Reliability Engineer make in South Dakota? ▼
The median site reliability engineer salary in South Dakota is $120,350 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $145,000. Salaries range from $73,040 (10th percentile) to $182,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Site Reliability Engineer make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,350, a site reliability engineer in South Dakota earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for site reliability engineers? ▼
South Dakota ranks #45 out of 50 states for site reliability engineer pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level site reliability engineers earn $76,360, while senior professionals earn $174,300.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for site reliability engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for site reliability engineers is Hawaii at $239,250. South Dakota's median of $120,350 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kansas ($121,800) and Kentucky ($120,350).
What is the entry-level site reliability engineer salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level site reliability engineer in South Dakota earns approximately $76,360 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $122,840. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $174,300.
What city in South Dakota pays site reliability engineers the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for site reliability engineers, with a median salary of $126,150. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.