What the numbers say
The median HR Specialist in South Dakota earned $61,920 in 2024, about 13% below the US median of $71,137. That gap looks significant on paper. Factor in the state's cost of living, which runs roughly 10% below the national average, and the real difference narrows to something closer to 3%. The paycheck is smaller; what it buys is not that much smaller.
The range across earners is worth noting. Entry-level HR Specialists at the 10th percentile earned $48,730. Those at the 90th percentile earned $99,720, more than twice as much. Most of that spread reflects experience, job scope, and whether the role sits inside a small employer or a larger regional operation. The middle of the market, the 25th to 75th percentile range, runs from $51,850 to $80,790, a spread of about $29,000. That is a meaningful difference for people trying to plan a career path in the state.
South Dakota employs roughly 1,490 HR Specialists. It is a smaller market than neighboring Minnesota or Iowa, which means fewer large employers setting the top of the pay scale. The average wage of $69,140 sits well above the median, pulled up by a smaller group of senior specialists and HR managers at the high end.
BLS projects employment in this occupation to grow 6.2% between 2024 and 2034, a rate BLS classifies as faster than average. That is a reasonable signal for anyone weighing whether demand for the role is likely to hold over the next decade.
Salary distribution
Where South Dakota human resources specialists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $51,850 and $80,790, with a median of $61,920.
Human Resources Specialists 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
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.6 / 5
Personnel and Human Resources
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Administrative
Knowledge
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Interpret and explain human resources policies, procedures, laws, standards, or regulations.
- 02
Hire employees and process hiring-related paperwork.
- 03
Administer employee benefit plans.
- 04
Maintain current knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action guidelines and laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- 05
Schedule or administer skill, intelligence, psychological, or drug tests for current or prospective employees.
- 06
Prepare or maintain employment records related to events, such as hiring, termination, leaves, transfers, or promotions, using human resources management system software.
- 07
Address employee relations issues, such as harassment allegations, work complaints, or other employee concerns.
- 08
Conduct reference or background checks on job applicants.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+6.2%
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 Human Resources Specialists in South Dakota?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Human Resources Specialists in South Dakota is $61,920.
- How does South Dakota compare to the national median for Human Resources Specialists?
- The South Dakota median is -13.0% versus the BLS national figure of $71,137.
- What is the salary range for Human Resources Specialists in South Dakota?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $48,730 and the 90th-percentile at $99,720, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Human Resources Specialists a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 6.2% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Human Resources Specialists?
- 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.