Data Scientist Salary in South Dakota - Make Money and Achieve Financial Freedom

Data Scientist Salary in South Dakota: Quick Overview

If you’re considering a career as a data scientist in South Dakota, here’s what you need to know about compensation. South Dakota data scientists earn a median salary of $91,460 per year, which is -15.3% vs national average.

Metric	Salary
Median Annual Salary	$91,460
Entry-Level (10th Percentile)	$64,160
Experienced (90th Percentile)	$133,970
Estimated Employment	150 workers
Salary Range	$64,160 – $133,970

How South Dakota Compares to Other States

Here are the top 5 highest-paying states for data scientists across the country:

State	Median Salary
Delaware	$138,780
Virginia	$136,490
California	$133,690
Washington	$132,620
New Jersey	$130,570

Breaking Down the Numbers: What You’ll Actually Make

Let’s get real about the numbers. A data scientist in South Dakota can expect their salary to grow significantly over their career:

Starting out (first 1-3 years): Expect somewhere around $64,160 per year. This is the 10th percentile — meaning 10% of workers earn less than this.
Mid-career (3-7 years): The median of $91,460 kicks in. Half of all data scientists in South Dakota earn more than this, half earn less.
Senior level (7+ years): Top earners pull in $133,970 or more. The 90th percentile represents the top 10% of earners in the field.

What Affects Your Salary as a Data Scientist in South Dakota

Several factors move the needle on your paycheck:

Location within South Dakota: Major metro areas typically pay 10-20% more than rural areas. Cost of living plays a big role here.
Industry: Tech companies, financial institutions, and consulting firms usually pay above median. Government and non-profit roles tend to pay below.
Education and certifications: A bachelor’s degree is often the minimum. Specialized certifications can bump your salary by 5-15%.
Experience: Each year of relevant experience adds roughly 2-4% to your base salary, with the biggest jumps in years 1-5.
Company size: Companies with 500+ employees typically offer 8-12% higher base salaries but may have slower promotion cycles.

How to Maximize Your Data Scientist Salary in South Dakota

Want to push past the median? Here are strategies that actually work:

Negotiate your starting offer: Companies expect negotiation. Aim for 10-15% above the initial offer. Use the data on this page as leverage.
Switch companies every 2-3 years: Job hoppers see 8-12% salary increases vs 3-5% for staying put. It’s not loyalty that pays — it’s leverage.
Build in-demand skills: Focus on skills that fewer people have. Check job postings in South Dakota to see what employers are desperate for.
Get certified: Industry certifications show you’re serious. They also give HR a reason to classify you at a higher pay grade.
Consider remote work: If your role allows it, work remotely for a company in a higher-paying state while enjoying South Dakota’s cost of living.

Data Scientist Salary by State

Wondering how South Dakota stacks up against the rest? Browse data scientist salaries in other states:

What This Salary Looks Like After Cost of Living

South Dakota’s cost of living index sits at 89, which is below the national average of 100. Good news: your money goes further here. A $91,460 salary in South Dakota feels like earning $102,764 in a state with average costs. Housing, groceries, and utilities all tend to cost less than the national average.

Here’s the math: your median salary of $91,460 in South Dakota has the same purchasing power as earning roughly $102,764 in a state with average living costs. This is important when you’re comparing job offers across state lines — a higher number on paper doesn’t always mean more money in your pocket.

The biggest expenses that eat into your salary in South Dakota:

Housing: Rent or mortgage is typically 30-40% of take-home pay for data scientists in South Dakota.
Transportation: Commuting costs vary widely — urban areas with public transit save money, while rural areas require car ownership.
Healthcare: Expect to spend 5-10% of gross income on premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs.
Taxes: State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all factor in. Some states are far more tax-friendly than others.

The takeaway? Don’t just look at the raw salary number. A $64,160 starting salary in South Dakota might actually give you more disposable income than a higher salary in a more expensive state.

Career Path: From $64,160 to $133,970

Your salary as a data scientist in South Dakota won’t stay flat. Here’s what the typical progression looks like, based on BLS percentile data:

Years 0-3: Junior Data Scientist / Data Analyst

Expected salary range: $64,160 – $73,784

Cleaning data, building basic models, creating dashboards, and supporting senior scientists. You’re in the bottom quartile of earners, but this is where you build the foundation. Focus on learning fast, taking on stretch projects, and documenting your wins for future negotiations.

Years 3-7: Data Scientist / Senior Analyst

Expected salary range: $73,784 – $91,460

Designing experiments, deploying production models, communicating insights to stakeholders. This is where most people hit the median. The jump from entry-level to mid-career is usually the biggest percentage increase you’ll see.

Years 7+: Principal Data Scientist / Head of Data / VP of Analytics

Expected salary range: $91,460 – $133,970+

Setting data strategy, building teams, driving organizational decisions with analytics. The top 10% of data scientists in South Dakota earn $133,970 or more. Getting there usually requires a mix of specialized skills, leadership experience, and strategic career moves.

Key milestones that trigger salary jumps: changing companies (8-15% bump), getting promoted (10-20%), earning certifications (5-10%), and relocating to higher-paying markets within South Dakota.

How This Compares to Similar Jobs in South Dakota

Wondering if you’d make more in a related field? Here’s how data scientist pay in South Dakota stacks up against comparable roles:

Job Title	Median Salary	Entry-Level	Top 10%
Software Developer	$82,850	$52,400	$162,690
Accountant	$75,110	$55,180	$106,200
Marketing Manager	$138,450	$99,140	$217,130

Is it worth moving to a different state for a higher data scientist salary?

Moving from South Dakota to a higher-paying state can boost your salary, but run the numbers on cost of living first. A 20% salary increase means nothing if housing costs 40% more. Use the adjusted salary comparison on this page to make an informed decision.

What’s the salary range for data scientists with 10+ years of experience in South Dakota?

With 10+ years of experience, data scientists in South Dakota typically earn between $100,606 and $133,970. The top earners often have specialized skills, management experience, or work in high-demand industries. Senior-level roles may also include equity, bonuses, or profit-sharing that push total compensation well above the base salary figures shown here.

The Bottom Line on Data scientist Salaries in South Dakota

Based on BLS data, data scientists in South Dakota can expect a solid earning trajectory over their career. The key is to negotiate your starting salary aggressively, switch companies every few years for bigger jumps, and invest in skills that are actually in demand in South Dakota’s job market. Don’t sleep on certifications and professional development — they’re often the difference between staying at median pay and breaking into the top quartile. And if you’re comparing offers from different states, always factor in cost of living. A lower salary in South Dakota might actually leave you with more money at the end of the month than a higher salary somewhere expensive. Use the data on this page to make smarter career and financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is $91,460 a good salary for a Data Scientist in South Dakota?

The median salary of $91,460 for data scientists in South Dakota is around the national average. Whether it’s “good” depends on your experience level, the specific industry you work in, and South Dakota’s cost of living. For a single person in most parts of South Dakota, this salary provides a comfortable lifestyle.

How much do entry-level data scientists make in South Dakota?

Entry-level data scientists in South Dakota typically earn around $64,160 per year. This varies by industry and whether you’re in a metro or rural area. Internships and co-ops during school can help you start at a higher pay band.

What’s the job outlook for data scientists in South Dakota?

There are approximately 150 data scientists employed in South Dakota. Job growth varies by specialty, but roles requiring digital skills and data analysis tend to see stronger demand. Check the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest projections.

Do data scientists in South Dakota get benefits on top of salary?

Most full-time data scientist positions in South Dakota include benefits worth roughly 30% of base salary: health insurance, retirement contributions (often 3-6% match), paid time off (15-25 days), and sometimes bonuses or profit sharing.