Average Human Resources Specialists Salary in South Dakota
Human Resources Specialists in South Dakota earn an average annual salary of $69,140. This figure is notably below the national average of $79,090, reflecting a combination of regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the state. While the nominal salary may be lower, the cost of living in South Dakota plays a crucial role in understanding the true value of this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $69,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,720.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,490 Human Resources Specialists, the job market in South Dakota presents a moderate level of activity. The Location Quotient of 0.55 suggests that HR Specialist roles are less concentrated here compared to the national average, indicating a potentially less saturated but also less robust demand for these professionals within the state's overall employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Human Resources Specialists in South Dakota earns-12.6%below the national average.
$33.2
$1,330
$5,762
Human Resources Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for South Dakota's HR Specialist salaries over the past four years is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, evolving HR practices, and inflation typically contribute to salary increases over time, suggesting that HR Specialists in South Dakota have likely seen their earning potential grow, albeit potentially at a different pace than in higher-cost or more concentrated metropolitan areas.
Human Resources Specialists Salary Distribution in South Dakota
The career trajectory for Human Resources Specialists in South Dakota typically involves significant salary growth with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the state.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $48,730 | $23.4 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $51,855 | $24.9 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $61,920 | $29.8 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $86,425 | $41.6 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $99,720 | $47.9 |
Detailed Human Resources Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$69,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$75,316
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
The nominal average salary of $69,140 for Human Resources Specialists in South Dakota is positively impacted by the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the purchasing power of an HR Specialist's salary in South Dakota is effectively higher than the raw salary figure might suggest, offering a better standard of living relative to national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
1,490
Total Jobs
3.297
Per 1K Jobs
0.55
Location Quotient
South Dakota has 0.55x the national average concentration of Human Resources Specialists 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 0.55 for Human Resources Specialists in South Dakota indicates that the profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that while there may not be an overwhelming abundance of HR Specialist jobs, the market is not overly saturated either, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Human Resources Specialists make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for a Human Resources Specialists in South Dakota is $69,140. This typically ranges from $48,730 for entry-level positions to $99,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Dakota is 12.6% lower than the national median of $79,090.
Is South Dakota a lucrative place for Human Resources Specialists?
No, but it offers good value.While the average salary of $69,140 is below the national average, South Dakota's lower cost of living (91.8) means your earnings can go further. The market is less concentrated, offering a different kind of opportunity.
Is South Dakota a good place to live for Human Resources Specialists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
How does the South Dakota HR Specialist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Human Resources Specialists in South Dakota is $69,140, which is lower than the national average of $79,090.
What is the cost of living in South Dakota compared to the rest of the US?
South Dakota has a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, meaning it is approximately 8.2% cheaper to live there than the national average (which is indexed at 100).
How concentrated are HR Specialist jobs in South Dakota?
The Location Quotient of 0.55 indicates that HR Specialist jobs are less concentrated in South Dakota than the national average, suggesting a less competitive market.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify for HR Specialists in South Dakota?
With 3.297 jobs per 1,000 workers, this metric provides a localized view of HR Specialist employment density within South Dakota's workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,490 employees in the South Dakota area with a job density of 3.297 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Human Resources Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Dakota