📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Paralegal Salary in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota · 13.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$51,504
per year
Median
$48,920
per year
Hourly
$24.76
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$33,181
25th Percentile — Junior$42,993
50th Percentile — Median$48,920
75th Percentile — Senior$65,070
90th Percentile — Top Earners$73,405
💡 Top-earning Paralegals in South Dakota make up to $73,405 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
$42.7k
2021
$44.4k
2022
$46.1k
2023
$47.8k
2024
$49.6k
2025
$51.5k
2026
📈 Paralegal salaries in South Dakota have followed the national trend with 3.8% annual growth. The strong demand in South Dakota's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Paralegal Salary by City in South Dakota
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $51,504 +0% High
🔍
Paralegal Job Market in South Dakota
Key factors affecting compensation

South Dakota is home to a moderate job market for Paralegals. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Finance, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $51,504 per year, South Dakota's Paralegal 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 $33,181–$42,993, while experienced Paralegals can command $65,070–$73,405.

Looking ahead, the Paralegal profession in South Dakota is projected to grow at 3.8% 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
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Paralegal salary in South Dakota is $51,504 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $59,200.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Paralegals 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 Paralegal employment.
  • At $51,504/year, South Dakota Paralegal salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $59,200/year.