The highest paying jobs in South Dakota are based on salary data and include physicians, dentists, and pharmacists with salaries over $200,000. Engineering managers, IT directors and financial managers also make six figures. Other high paying careers are airline pilots, marketing managers and legal professionals. Industries like healthcare, finance and technology offer the best pay.
Top High Paying Jobs in South Dakota
Below is the list of highest paying careers in South Dakota, including salary ranges and median salary:
| Occupation | Salary Range | Median/Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Consultant and Sales Representative | $143,000 – $356,000 | $225,8324 |
| Finance Services Director | $63,082 – $82,541 | $72,1381 |
| Primary Care Pediatrician | $166,360 – $195,380 | Approx. $180,8707 |
| Cardiologist | $328,000 – $613,000 | $316,3003 |
| Radiologist | $310,300 – $400,000 | $310,3003 |
| Psychiatrist | $214,000 – $400,000 | $216,70037 |
| Clinical Psychiatrist | $166,360 – $195,380 | Approx. $180,8707 |
| Chief Medical Officer | $182,540 – $250,000 | Approx. $200,0007 |
| General Internist | $166,360 – $195,380 | Approx. $180,8707 |
| MD Physician-Dermatologist | $328,000 – $613,000 | Approx. $316,30037 |
| Internal Medicine Physician | $166,360 – $195,380 | Approx. $180,8707 |
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist | $195,380 – $250,000 | Approx. $200,0007 |
| Optometrist | $120,000 – $189,000 | Approx. $125,00037 |
| Director of Systems Engineering | Not specified | Approx. $194,709 |
Data is current as of 2023 survey.
Medical professions dominate the highest paying jobs, with various physician specialties making top salaries. Business and technology roles like Consultant and Sales Representative and Director of Systems Engineering also make the list.
Healthcare
Healthcare pays the most in South Dakota. Cardiologists, radiologists and psychiatrists make over $200,000. Other high paying medical jobs are optometrists, nurse anesthetists and internal medicine physicians. South Dakota’s rural areas have high demand for healthcare workers so salaries are higher for primary care and specialty medicine professionals.
For more information on healthcare job listings visit the official South Dakota healthcare employment site. Finance directors, investment managers and sales consultants are among South Dakota’s highest paid professionals. Corporate finance and financial consulting roles pay over $150,000. Sales professionals in specialized industries like medical and technical sales also earn high commissions. Make sure to update your browser for the best experience. If you encounter any issues please update your browser to ensure all features of the job site are enabled.
Engineering and Technology
South Dakota’s engineering and tech industry pays six figures. Software engineers, cybersecurity analysts and IT directors earn competitive salaries with Director of Systems Engineering making over $190,000. Civil, mechanical and electrical engineers working in infrastructure and renewable energy see high demand. Make sure your browser is updated to view job listings in the engineering and tech industry. Use a modern browser to view the latest job opportunities in South Dakota’s tech sector.
Legal and Law Enforcement Connection Careers
Attorneys, judges and legal advisors are among the highest paid professionals in South Dakota. Corporate law, criminal defense and intellectual property law pays six figures. Senior law enforcement officials like police chiefs and forensic analysts also earn competitive salaries.
Trades & Blue Collar Jobs
Skilled trades and manufacturing jobs offer stable high paying careers. Certified electricians, welders and machinists earn competitive salaries due to high demand. South Dakota’s growing industrial sector has increased wages for skilled laborers in advanced manufacturing and automation.
Transportation and Aviation
Airline pilots and transportation managers get paid high in South Dakota. Commercial pilots make over $100,000 a year while logistics directors and supply chain managers play a crucial role in the state’s growing transportation industry.
Job Market Outlook in South Dakota
South Dakota’s job market is growing with healthcare, finance and technology leading the salary growth. Medical professionals, engineers and financial consultants will see continued demand. Businesses are increasing salaries to attract talent so South Dakota is a great place for high income careers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a high paying career in South Dakota, healthcare, finance, technology and engineering are the best options. Physicians, finance directors and IT executives make the top salaries.
The state’s growth and demand for professionals makes it a strong earning opportunity across multiple industries.
