Writer and Author Salary in South Dakota
Based on 60+ workers in South Dakota
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (SD)
$56,700
$27.26/hr
vs National Average
$70,716
-19.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $69K
60 employed in South Dakota
Salary Distribution — Writer and Author in South Dakota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,760 |
| 25th percentile | $54,080 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $56,700 |
| 75th percentile | $59,710 |
| 90th percentile | $68,890 |
Top-Paying Industries for Writer and Author (U.S.)
Which industries pay Writer and Authors the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Writer and Authors in South Dakota tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $131,800 | 40 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $107,910 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $95,260 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $84,620 | 2K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $84,040 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Writer and Author in South Dakota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Dakota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $50,640 |
| 2023 | $56,490 |
| 2024 | $58,740 |
| 2025 | $56,700 |
| 2026 (projected) | $56,700 |
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 | $50,640 | $62,421 |
| 2023 | $56,490 | $65,436 |
| 2024 | $58,740 | $66,313 |
| 2025 | $56,700 | $70,716 |
| 2026 (projected) | $56,700 | $70,716 |
Writer and Author Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $54,080 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $56,700 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $59,710 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $68,890 |
Writer and Author Salary in Other States
Related Writer and Author Salaries in South Dakota
How other high-demand occupations in South Dakota compare to Writer and Author ($56,700 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Writer and Author | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logistician in SD | $80,020 | +41.1% | $38.47/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in SD | $73,990 | +30.5% | $35.57/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in SD | $65,170 | +14.9% | $31.33/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in SD | $64,520 | +13.8% | $31.02/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in SD | $63,490 | +12.0% | $30.52/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in SD | $61,570 | +8.6% | $29.60/hr |
| Editor in SD | $56,730 | +0.1% | $27.27/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in SD | $57,910 | +2.1% | $27.84/hr |
| Computer Programmer in SD | $58,240 | +2.7% | $28.00/hr |
| Paralegal in SD | $58,320 | +2.9% | $28.04/hr |
| Truck Driver in SD | $58,690 | +3.5% | $28.22/hr |
| Title Examiner in SD | $59,300 | +4.6% | $28.51/hr |