Pharmacist Salary in South Dakota
Based on 1K+ workers in South Dakota
Median Annual Salary (SD)
$146,790
$70.57/hr
vs National Average
$142,891
+2.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$112K – $166K
1K employed in South Dakota
The Pharmacist salary in South Dakota offers a compelling financial outlook, with a median annual earning of $146,790. This figure positions South Dakota pharmacists at 3% above the national average, reflecting strong compensation for professionals in this essential role. Currently, approximately 1,280 pharmacists are employed across the state, working within a salary range of $112,200 to $166,340.
Several factors influence the Pharmacist salary in South Dakota. Experience level, the specific type of pharmacy (e.g., retail, hospital, clinical), and the geographic location within the state can all contribute to variations in pay. Demand for pharmacists, especially in underserved areas, and the complexity of responsibilities associated with a particular role also play a significant part in determining overall earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Pharmacist in South Dakota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $112,200 |
| 25th percentile | $131,950 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $146,790 |
| 75th percentile | $155,260 |
| 90th percentile | $166,340 |
Top-Paying Industries for Pharmacist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Pharmacists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Pharmacists in South Dakota tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $156,600 | 122K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $156,490 | 470 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $153,650 | 10K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $150,350 | — |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $144,820 | 5K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Pharmacist in South Dakota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Dakota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $131,940 |
| 2023 | $135,500 |
| 2024 | $140,190 |
| 2025 | $146,790 |
| 2026 (projected) | $153,701 |
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 | $131,940 | $132,955 |
| 2023 | $135,500 | $136,337 |
| 2024 | $140,190 | $138,804 |
| 2025 | $146,790 | $142,891 |
| 2026 (projected) | $153,701 | $149,618 |
Pharmacist Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $131,950 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $146,790 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $155,260 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $166,340 |
Pharmacist Salary in Other States
Related Pharmacist Salaries in South Dakota
How other high-demand occupations in South Dakota compare to Pharmacist ($146,790 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Pharmacist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in SD | $586,010 | +299.2% | $281.74/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in SD | $393,870 | +168.3% | $189.36/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in SD | $297,610 | +102.7% | $143.08/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in SD | $280,520 | +91.1% | $134.87/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in SD | $263,930 | +79.8% | $126.89/hr |
| Pediatrician in SD | $257,610 | +75.5% | $123.85/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in SD | $239,970 | +63.5% | $115.37/hr |
| Psychiatrist in SD | $226,180 | +54.1% | $108.74/hr |
| Dentist in SD | $158,140 | +7.7% | $76.03/hr |
| Physician Assistant in SD | $133,200 | -9.3% | $64.04/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in SD | $128,840 | -12.2% | $61.94/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in SD | $122,050 | -16.9% | $58.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a pharmacist make in South Dakota?
- The median salary for a pharmacist in South Dakota is $146,790 per year, which is equivalent to $71 per hour. This median figure falls within a salary range of $112,200 to $166,340 annually.
What is the salary range for pharmacists in South Dakota?
- In South Dakota, pharmacist salaries typically range from $112,200 to $166,340 per year. The median salary within this range is $146,790 annually.
How does the average pharmacist salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?
- Pharmacists in South Dakota earn approximately 2.7% more than the national average. This means the median salary of $146,790/year is higher than the national median.
How many pharmacists are employed in South Dakota?
- There are approximately 1,280 pharmacists employed in South Dakota. The median annual salary for these professionals is $146,790.