Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Unemployment rate
1990–2024BLS state series.
Employment
South Dakota's employment level exceeds 487,000 workers in 2024, with unemployment among the lowest in the nation.
Total nonfarm payroll jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SDNA).
| Indicator | South Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Employed (thousands) | 487 | 161000 |
- •Sanford Health and Avera Health are South Dakota's largest employers.
Unemployment
South Dakota's unemployment rate was 1.9% in 2024, among the lowest in the United States.
Unemployment rate
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average of seasonally adjusted months (FRED SDUR).
| Indicator | South Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate (%) | 1.9 | 4.1 |
- •South Dakota's unemployment rate has stayed under 3% for several consecutive years.
Labor Force
South Dakota's civilian labor force totaled approximately 497,000 in 2024, reflecting steady workforce growth.
Civilian labor force
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average (FRED SDLF).
| Indicator | South Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Force (thousands) | 497 | 168000 |
- •South Dakota's labor force participation rate of 68.4% is well above the national average.
Occupations
South Dakota's workforce is concentrated in healthcare, agriculture, and financial services, reflecting its major industry clusters.
Workers in management, business, science and arts occupations
2008–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian employed 16+, C24010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | South Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Union Membership Rate (%) | 4.5 | 10 |
- •South Dakota's union membership rate of 4.5% is less than half the national rate.
Salaries
South Dakota's median annual wage was $45,900 in 2024, below the national median of $48,060.
Average weekly earnings, private sector
2007–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SMU46000000500000011).
Average hourly earnings, private sector
2007–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SMU46000000500000003).
| Indicator | South Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Wage ($) | 45900 | 48060 |
- •South Dakota's minimum wage of $11.50 per hour is adjusted annually for inflation.
Remote Work
About 8.5% of South Dakota workers worked remotely in 2023, below the national remote-work share.
Workers who work from home
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, share of workers 16+, B08301 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | South Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Work Share (%) | 8.5 | 13.8 |
- •South Dakota's remote work share has declined since the pandemic peak as more workers returned to offices and plants.
Workforce Participation
South Dakota's labor force participation rate was 68.4% in 2024, significantly higher than the national rate of 62.6%.
Labor force participation rate
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average (FRED LBSSA46).
| Indicator | South Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Force Participation Rate (%) | 68.4 | 62.6 |
- •South Dakota's high participation rate is partly driven by low unemployment and strong demand for workers.