Human Resources Specialist Salary in South Dakota
Based on 1K+ workers in South Dakota
Median Annual Salary (SD)
$67,590
$32.50/hr
vs National Average
$72,641
-7.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $105K
1K employed in South Dakota
The average Human Resources Specialist salary in South Dakota falls around $67,590 per year, placing it about 7% below the national average. This figure represents the median, with actual salaries for these professionals in the state ranging from approximately $50,670 to $104,550. Currently, there are an estimated 1,340 individuals employed in these roles across South Dakota.
Several factors can influence the Human Resources Specialist salary in South Dakota. Experience level is a primary driver, with seasoned professionals often commanding higher pay. The size and type of the employer, whether it's a large corporation or a smaller business, can also impact compensation. Additionally, specific certifications and the geographic location within South Dakota might play a role in determining an individual's earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Human Resources Specialist in South Dakota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,670 |
| 25th percentile | $54,910 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $67,590 |
| 75th percentile | $88,100 |
| 90th percentile | $104,550 |
Top-Paying Industries for Human Resources Specialist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Human Resources Specialists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Human Resources Specialists in South Dakota tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $103,260 | 27K |
| Utilities | $97,360 | 3K |
| Finance and Insurance | $85,450 | 51K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $85,040 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $84,350 | 91K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Human Resources Specialist in South Dakota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Dakota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,680 |
| 2023 | $58,700 |
| 2024 | $61,920 |
| 2025 | $67,590 |
| 2026 (projected) | $71,645 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Dakota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,680 | $63,710 |
| 2023 | $58,700 | $66,356 |
| 2024 | $61,920 | $68,925 |
| 2025 | $67,590 | $72,641 |
| 2026 (projected) | $71,645 | $76,999 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $54,910 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $67,590 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $88,100 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $104,550 |
Human Resources Specialist Salary in Other States
Related Human Resources Specialist Salaries in South Dakota
How other high-demand occupations in South Dakota compare to Human Resources Specialist ($67,590 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Human Resources Specialist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer in SD | $280,900 | +315.6% | $135.05/hr |
| Marketing Manager in SD | $167,750 | +148.2% | $80.65/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in SD | $137,400 | +103.3% | $66.06/hr |
| Sales Manager in SD | $136,360 | +101.7% | $65.56/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in SD | $128,670 | +90.4% | $61.86/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in SD | $124,150 | +83.7% | $59.69/hr |
| Construction Manager in SD | $118,380 | +75.1% | $56.91/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in SD | $117,930 | +74.5% | $56.70/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in SD | $107,490 | +59.0% | $51.68/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in SD | $106,410 | +57.4% | $51.16/hr |
| Management Analyst in SD | $83,620 | +23.7% | $40.20/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in SD | $82,250 | +21.7% | $39.54/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Human Resources Specialist make in South Dakota?
- The median salary for a Human Resources Specialist in South Dakota is $67,590 per year, or about $32 per hour. This means half of HR Specialists earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less.
What is the salary range for Human Resources Specialists in South Dakota?
- In South Dakota, Human Resources Specialists typically earn between $50,670 and $104,550 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and employer.
Is the salary for HR Specialists in South Dakota lower than the national average?
- Yes, the average salary for Human Resources Specialists in South Dakota is 7.0% lower than the national average. This positions the typical South Dakota HR Specialist's earnings below the national median.
How many Human Resources Specialists are employed in South Dakota?
- There are approximately 1,340 Human Resources Specialists employed across South Dakota. This indicates a moderate presence of the profession within the state's workforce.