Lawyer Salary in South Dakota
Based on 1K+ workers in South Dakota
Median Annual Salary (SD)
$102,040
$49.06/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
-24.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$77K – $235K
1K employed in South Dakota
Discover the current landscape of Lawyer salary in South Dakota, where the median annual income stands at $102,040. This figure represents the midpoint, with salaries generally falling between $76,920 and $234,690. It's important to note that this median is 24% below the national average, reflecting regional economic conditions for legal professionals.
Several factors can influence a Lawyer salary in South Dakota, including years of experience, specialization within law, and the size and type of firm. The demand for specific legal expertise, client base, and geographic location within the state can also contribute to variations in earning potential, alongside the employment of approximately 1,360 legal professionals.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in South Dakota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $76,920 |
| 25th percentile | $85,640 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $102,040 |
| 75th percentile | $141,270 |
| 90th percentile | $234,690 |
Top-Paying Industries for Lawyer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Lawyers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Lawyers in South Dakota tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $254,990 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $236,630 | 5K |
| Information | $230,880 | 11K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $223,560 | 25K |
| Utilities | $221,400 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Lawyer in South Dakota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Dakota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $85,980 |
| 2024 | $96,550 |
| 2025 | $102,040 |
| 2026 (projected) | $107,842 |
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 | $85,980 | $116,457 |
| 2024 | $96,550 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $102,040 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $107,842 | $142,372 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $85,640 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $102,040 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $141,270 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $234,690 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in South Dakota
How other high-demand occupations in South Dakota compare to Lawyer ($102,040 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title Examiner in SD | $59,300 | -41.9% | $28.51/hr |
| Paralegal in SD | $58,320 | -42.8% | $28.04/hr |
| Optometrist in SD | $102,320 | +0.3% | $49.19/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in SD | $101,400 | -0.6% | $48.75/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in SD | $99,790 | -2.2% | $47.98/hr |
| Financial Analyst in SD | $99,150 | -2.8% | $47.67/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in SD | $98,980 | -3.0% | $47.59/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in SD | $98,890 | -3.1% | $47.54/hr |
| Software Engineer in SD | $105,370 | +3.3% | $50.66/hr |
| Civil Engineer in SD | $98,700 | -3.3% | $47.45/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in SD | $106,410 | +4.3% | $51.16/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in SD | $107,490 | +5.3% | $51.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a lawyer in South Dakota?
- The median salary for lawyers in South Dakota is $102,040 per year, which breaks down to about $49 per hour. Most lawyers in the state earn between $76,920 and $234,690 annually.
How does lawyer salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?
- Lawyers in South Dakota earn significantly less than the national average, with salaries being 24.3% lower. This means the median South Dakota lawyer salary of $102,040 is well below the national median.
What is the salary range for lawyers in South Dakota?
- The salary range for lawyers in South Dakota is quite broad, with the lowest earners making $76,920 annually and the highest earners reaching up to $234,690. The median falls right in the middle at $102,040 per year.
How many lawyers are employed in South Dakota?
- There are approximately 1,360 lawyers employed in South Dakota. This figure represents the total number of legal professionals working within the state.