What the numbers say
Construction Managers in South Dakota earned a median of $113,520 in 2024, about 3% above the national median of $110,156. That gap is modest, but South Dakota's cost of living index sits at 89.7 against a national baseline of 100. In purchasing-power terms, that median stretches closer to $126,500 in national-dollar equivalents, which puts South Dakota well ahead of states with similar nominal wages but higher costs.
The range between low and high earners is wide. The 10th percentile came in at $88,290 while the 90th reached $159,510. Top earners here make roughly 1.8 times what those at the bottom earn, a spread consistent with an occupation where experience, project size, and whether someone runs a crew or a full capital program drive pay as much as geography does. The average of $121,860 sits above the median by about $8,300, which tells us a smaller group of senior managers with large commercial or infrastructure projects pulls that figure up.
BLS projects employment in this occupation to grow 8.7% between 2024 and 2034, which it classifies as faster than average. South Dakota had roughly 980 Construction Managers employed in 2024, a small base that can shift noticeably with a few large public works or energy projects entering the pipeline.
The combination of a below-100 cost index and a wage that clears the national median is the most useful single data point on this page. It does not show up in the headline number, but it shapes what the job actually pays in local terms.
Salary distribution
Where South Dakota construction managers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $99,900 and $136,040, with a median of $113,520.
Construction Managers pay by experience level in South Dakota
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in South Dakota over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
5 years or more
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.9 / 5
Building and Construction
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Administration and Management
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Information Ordering
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Coordination
Technical
- 4.0 / 5
Management of Personnel Resources
Technical
- 4.0 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Plan, schedule, or coordinate construction project activities to meet deadlines.
- 02
Prepare and submit budget estimates, progress reports, or cost tracking reports.
- 03
Interpret and explain plans and contract terms to representatives of the owner or developer, including administrative staff, workers, or clients.
- 04
Direct and supervise construction or related workers.
- 05
Prepare contracts or negotiate revisions to contractual agreements with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers, or subcontractors.
- 06
Confer with supervisory personnel, owners, contractors, or design professionals to discuss and resolve matters, such as work procedures, complaints, or construction problems.
- 07
Plan, organize, or direct activities concerned with the construction or maintenance of structures, facilities, or systems.
- 08
Study job specifications to determine appropriate construction methods.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+8.7%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Construction Managers in South Dakota?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Construction Managers in South Dakota is $113,520.
- How does South Dakota compare to the national median for Construction Managers?
- The South Dakota median is +3.1% versus the BLS national figure of $110,156.
- What is the salary range for Construction Managers in South Dakota?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $88,290 and the 90th-percentile at $159,510, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Construction Managers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 8.7% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Construction Managers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.