📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Waiter and Waitress Salary in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota · 13.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$28,084
per year
Median
$24,604
per year
Hourly
$13.5
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$19,036
25th Percentile — Junior$24,604
50th Percentile — Median$24,604
75th Percentile — Senior$37,132
90th Percentile — Top Earners$41,845
💡 Top-earning Waiter and Waitresss 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.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$24.2k
2021
$25.0k
2022
$25.7k
2023
$26.5k
2024
$27.3k
2025
$28.1k
2026
📈 Waiter and Waitress salaries in South Dakota have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong demand in South Dakota's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Waiter and Waitress Salary by City in South Dakota
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $28,084 +0% High
🔍
Waiter and Waitress Job Market in South Dakota
Key factors affecting compensation

South Dakota is home to a moderate job market for Waiter and Waitresss. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Finance, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $28,084 per year, South Dakota's Waiter and Waitress 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 $19,036–$24,604, while experienced Waiter and Waitresss can command $37,132–$41,845.

Looking ahead, the Waiter and Waitress profession in South Dakota is projected to grow at 3.0% 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Waiter and Waitress salary in South Dakota is $28,084 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $32,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Waiter and Waitresss 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 Waiter and Waitress employment.
  • At $28,084/year, South Dakota Waiter and Waitress salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $32,280/year.