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Average Graphic Designers Salary in South Dakota

Graphic Designers in South Dakota earn an average annual salary of $46,160, significantly below the national average of $68,540. This disparity is largely influenced by the state's unique economic landscape and lower cost of living, which often correlates with adjusted wage expectations for creative professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $46,160 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $59,540.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 470 Graphic Designers and a Location Quotient of 0.75, the job market in South Dakota indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While not a major hub, the presence of 1.04 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit less saturated, demand for design talent within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$46,160

The average Graphic Designers in South Dakota earns-32.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$22.2

Weekly

$888

Monthly

$3,847

Graphic Designers Salary Distribution in South Dakota

Salary progression for Graphic Designers in South Dakota typically follows a clear path from entry-level to senior positions. Junior designers might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while those with extensive portfolios and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, with the percentile gaps reflecting substantial career advancement and earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$33,420$16.1
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$34,620$16.6
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$43,950$21.1
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$57,700$27.7
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$59,540$28.6

Detailed Graphic Designers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$46,160

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$50,283

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The nominal salary of $46,160 in South Dakota presents a favorable financial picture when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the purchasing power of a Graphic Designer's salary in South Dakota is likely higher than the raw salary figure might initially imply, offering a good quality of life.

Job Market Context

470

Total Jobs

1.04

Per 1K Jobs

0.75

Location Quotient

Below Average

South Dakota has 0.75x the national average concentration of Graphic Designers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.75 indicates that Graphic Designer roles are less concentrated in South Dakota than the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled designers to establish themselves without facing intense competition from a large pool of local talent.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Graphic Designerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Graphic Designers make in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for a Graphic Designers in South Dakota is $46,160. This typically ranges from $33,420 for entry-level positions to $59,540 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in South Dakota is 32.7% lower than the national median of $68,540.

Is South Dakota a lucrative place for Graphic Designers?

No, but cost of living offers value.The average salary is substantially lower than the national average, indicating less lucrative compensation. However, the lower cost of living means the purchasing power of this salary is relatively strong within the state.

Is South Dakota a good place to live for Graphic Designers?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does South Dakota's Graphic Designer salary compare nationally?

Graphic Designers in South Dakota earn an average of $46,160 annually, which is considerably less than the national average of $68,540.

What is the concentration of Graphic Designers in South Dakota?

The Location Quotient for Graphic Designers in South Dakota is 0.75, meaning the profession is less concentrated there compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living affect Graphic Designer salaries in South Dakota?

South Dakota's Cost of Living Index is 91.8, below the national average, which helps to offset the lower nominal salary by increasing purchasing power for residents.

What is the total number of Graphic Designers employed in South Dakota?

There are approximately 470 Graphic Designers employed within South Dakota.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 470 employees in the South Dakota area with a job density of 1.04 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Graphic Designers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Dakota