Creative & Education South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Social Worker Salary in South Dakota

The median social worker salary in South Dakota is $48,708 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $55,350.

Median Salary
$48,708
vs National
$-6,642
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Social Worker Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level social worker earns around $33,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,440
$-4,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $32,032
25th Percentile $38,896
Median (50th) $48,708
75th Percentile $61,952
90th Percentile $77,264

Major Cities for Social Workers in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for social workers in South Dakota include Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Brookings. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Sioux Falls, SD
Metro area for social worker employment
Rapid City, SD
Metro area for social worker employment
Aberdeen, SD
Metro area for social worker employment
Brookings, SD
Metro area for social worker employment
Mitchell, SD
Metro area for social worker employment

How to Become a Social Worker in South Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). South Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.