Hospitality & Tourism South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Travel Agent Salary in South Dakota

The median travel agent salary in South Dakota is $40,832 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $46,400.

Median Salary
$40,832
vs National
$-5,568
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Travel Agent Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for travel agent compensation. Travel Agent salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $40,832 per year, travel agents in South Dakota earn $5,568 less than the national median of $46,400.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $40,832 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $46,400 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: travel agents at the 10th percentile earn $24,640, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $68,640 — a $44,000 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 $42,688.

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

Travel Agent Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level travel agent earns around $26,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,360 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)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,360
$-8,640 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $24,640
25th Percentile $31,680
Median (50th) $40,832
75th Percentile $53,680
90th Percentile $68,640

Travel Agent Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for travel 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 Travel Agent in South Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Booking SystemsDestination KnowledgeCustomer ServiceSalesItinerary PlanningProblem Solving

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, travel 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: Travel Agent Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Travel Agent make in South Dakota? ▼
The median travel agent salary in South Dakota is $40,832 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $46,400. Salaries range from $24,640 (10th percentile) to $68,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Travel Agent make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,832, a travel agent in South Dakota earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for travel agents? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for travel agent pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level travel agents earn $26,400, while senior professionals earn $63,360.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for travel agent salary? ▼
The highest paying state for travel agents is Hawaii at $78,880. South Dakota's median of $40,832 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($41,296) and Missouri ($40,832).
What is the entry-level travel agent salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level travel agent in South Dakota earns approximately $26,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $42,240. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $63,360.
What city in South Dakota pays travel agents the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for travel agents, with a median salary of $42,688. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.