📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Institution and Cafeteria Cook Salary in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota · 13.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$31,564
per year
Median
$28,954
per year
Hourly
$15.18
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$22,342
25th Percentile — Junior$27,214
50th Percentile — Median$28,954
75th Percentile — Senior$38,176
90th Percentile — Top Earners$41,845
💡 Top-earning Institution and Cafeteria Cooks in South Dakota make up to $41,845 per year. The job market in South Dakota is rated moderate, with key industries including Agriculture, Finance, Tourism.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$27.9k
2021
$28.6k
2022
$29.3k
2023
$30.0k
2024
$30.8k
2025
$31.6k
2026
📈 Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries in South Dakota have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in South Dakota's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Institution and Cafeteria Cook Salary by City in South Dakota
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $31,564 +0% High
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Institution and Cafeteria Cook Job Market in South Dakota
Key factors affecting compensation

South Dakota is home to a moderate job market for Institution and Cafeteria Cooks. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Finance, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $31,564 per year, South Dakota's Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in South Dakota (index: 0.87) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in South Dakota can expect to earn $22,342–$27,214, while experienced Institution and Cafeteria Cooks can command $38,176–$41,845.

Looking ahead, the Institution and Cafeteria Cook profession in South Dakota is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Agriculture continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Institution and Cafeteria Cook salary in South Dakota is $31,564 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $36,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Institution and Cafeteria Cooks the highest wages in South Dakota due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • South Dakota has a moderate job market with major industries in Agriculture, Finance, Tourism. Opportunities exist in for Institution and Cafeteria Cook employment.
  • At $31,564/year, South Dakota Institution and Cafeteria Cook salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $36,280/year.