Software Developer Salary in South Dakota (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
South Dakota Median
$96,310
per year
Hourly Rate
$46.30
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-29% vs US median
US median $135,980
State Rank
#49 of 50
2,380 employed here

How much does a Software Developer make in South Dakota?

A Software Developer working in South Dakota earns a median salary of $96,310 per year, or about $46.30 per hour. That is 29% below the national median of $135,980 for this occupation.

Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $65,530 while the top 10% make $160,380 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $79,810 and $121,190 a year.

Software Developer salary range in South Dakota

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$65,530$31.50
25th percentile (early career)$79,810$38.37
50th percentile (median)$96,310$46.30
75th percentile (experienced)$121,190$58.26
90th percentile (top earners)$160,380$77.11

How South Dakota compares

South Dakota ranks 49th out of 50 states and territories for Software Developer pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1California$174,410
2Washington$166,540
3New York$166,180
4Massachusetts$165,210
5Oregon$142,720

Working as a Software Developer in South Dakota

Nationally, about 1,688,000 people work as Software Developers in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare South Dakota pay ($96,310) 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 Software Developer make in South Dakota?
The median Software Developer salary in South Dakota is $96,310 per year, or about $46.30 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $65,530 at the entry level to $160,380 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Software Developers about 29% less than the national median of $135,980. South Dakota ranks 49th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Software Developers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $96,310 a year. About 2,380 Software Developers 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 Software Developer 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.