South Dakota Median
$42,270
per year
Hourly Rate
$20.32
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+16% vs US median
US median $36,560
State Rank
#3 of 51
650 employed here
How much does a Recreation Worker make in South Dakota?
Recreation Workers in South Dakota take home a median of $42,270 annually — roughly $20.32 an hour — which runs 16% above the national median of $36,560.
Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $32,390 while the top 10% make $60,470 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $35,900 and $48,630 a year.
Recreation Worker salary range in South Dakota
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,390 | $15.57 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $35,900 | $17.26 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $42,270 | $20.32 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $48,630 | $23.38 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,470 | $29.07 |
|
How South Dakota compares
South Dakota ranks 3rd out of 51 states and territories for Recreation Worker pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Recreation Worker salary in other states
District of Columbia $46,460Washington $44,890Hawaii $41,000California $39,780Oregon $39,610Colorado $38,820Massachusetts $38,540New York $38,040Alaska $37,510Minnesota $37,510Maine $37,450Vermont $37,450North Dakota $37,310Maryland $37,200New Hampshire $37,040New Jersey $36,880Connecticut $36,610Rhode Island $36,340Virginia $36,120Arizona $35,800Pennsylvania $35,710Wisconsin $35,530Florida $35,490Illinois $35,480Michigan $35,090Montana $35,090Nebraska $34,590Missouri $34,320Delaware $33,790Iowa $33,700Tennessee $33,580Utah $32,890North Carolina $32,720Texas $32,720Georgia $32,540Ohio $32,420Kentucky $32,400New Mexico $31,900Kansas $31,760Oklahoma $31,580South Carolina $31,420Wyoming $30,720Indiana $30,190Nevada $30,150Idaho $30,100West Virginia $29,710Louisiana $28,580Alabama $28,360Mississippi $28,060Arkansas $27,770
Working as a Recreation Worker in South Dakota
Nationally, about 331,000 people work as Recreation Workers 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 ($42,270) 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 Recreation Worker make in South Dakota?
The median Recreation Worker salary in South Dakota is $42,270 per year, or about $20.32 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $32,390 at the entry level to $60,470 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Recreation Workers about 16% more than the national median of $36,560. South Dakota ranks 3rd out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Recreation Workers?
Yes on pay — South Dakota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $42,270 a year. About 650 Recreation Workers are employed in South Dakota. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
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 Recreation Worker salary report
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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.