Lawyers in South Dakota. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
What the numbers say
Lawyers in South Dakota earned a median of $96,550 in 2024, about 35% below the US median of $149,496. That is one of the larger state-level gaps we see for this occupation. The mean wage of $129,500 sits well above the median, which tells us a smaller group of high-earning lawyers pull the average up.
The spread from the 10th to the 90th percentile runs from $67,580 to $226,520. That is a roughly 3-to-1 ratio between the lowest and highest earners in the state, reflecting how much practice area and experience level shift compensation in this field.
South Dakota's cost of living sits about 10% below the national baseline. After adjusting for that, the $96,550 median translates to something closer to $107,600 in national-dollar terms. That narrows the headline gap with the US figure considerably. A lawyer relocating from a higher-cost state would likely feel the difference in purchasing power more than the raw numbers suggest.
BLS projects employment for Lawyers to grow 4.2% between 2024 and 2034, which falls into the average outlook category. South Dakota's relatively small market of around 1,130 employed lawyers means even modest growth adds few absolute positions, so new entrants should expect a competitive field rather than a rapid expansion in openings.
Salary distribution
Where South Dakota lawyers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $85,640 and $141,270, with a median of $102,040.
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Lawyers 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 3 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2025 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.9 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.7 / 5
Law and Government
Knowledge
- 4.6 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.6 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.5 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.5 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.5 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
- 02
Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
- 03
Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
- 04
Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- 05
Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.
- 06
Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
- 07
Work in environmental law, representing public interest groups, waste disposal companies, or construction firms in their dealings with state and federal agencies.
- 08
Present and summarize cases to judges and juries.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+4.2%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Lawyers in South Dakota?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Lawyers in South Dakota is $102,040.
- How does South Dakota compare to the national median for Lawyers?
- The South Dakota median is -36.0% versus the BLS national figure of $159,328.
- What is the salary range for Lawyers in South Dakota?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $76,920 and the 90th-percentile at $234,690, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Lawyers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 4.2% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Lawyers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional 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.