Carpenter Salary in South Dakota (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Carpenters in South Dakota, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
South Dakota Median
$48,140
per year
Hourly Rate
$23.14
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-21% vs US median
US median $60,580
State Rank
#49 of 51
4,560 employed here

How much does a Carpenter make in South Dakota?

A Carpenter working in South Dakota earns a median salary of $48,140 per year, or about $23.14 per hour. That is 21% below the national median of $60,580 for this occupation.

Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $37,720 while the top 10% make $65,890 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $42,190 and $60,060 a year.

Carpenter salary range in South Dakota

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$37,720$18.13
25th percentile (early career)$42,190$20.28
50th percentile (median)$48,140$23.14
75th percentile (experienced)$60,060$28.88
90th percentile (top earners)$65,890$31.68

How South Dakota compares

South Dakota ranks 49th out of 51 states and territories for Carpenter pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Hawaii$85,280
2Illinois$79,000
3California$75,920
4Massachusetts$75,200
5Washington$74,190

Working as a Carpenter in South Dakota

Nationally, about 670,000 people work as Carpenters in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare South Dakota pay ($48,140) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Carpenter make in South Dakota?
The median Carpenter salary in South Dakota is $48,140 per year, or about $23.14 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $37,720 at the entry level to $65,890 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Carpenters about 21% less than the national median of $60,580. South Dakota ranks 49th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Carpenters?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $48,140 a year. About 4,560 Carpenters are employed in South Dakota. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in South Dakota?
The highest-paying occupations in South Dakota include Radiologist ($586,010), Emergency Medicine Physician ($393,870), Obstetricians and Gynecologists ($297,610), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Carpenter salary report

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$76,170
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$47,730
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$56,460
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.