The average annual wage in South Dakota increased by 5.5% over the last year, according to the state Labor Market Information Center.

Department of Labor and Regulation data shows South Dakotans are making an average of $54,053 per year.

Department Secretary Marcia Hultman says the annual wage increase was driven by two factors:
• A 2.9% increase in employment covered through reemployment assistance; and,
• An 8.5% increase in total wages and salaries, which grew by nearly $1.9 billion in 2022.

The industries with the largest average wage increases in 2022 were:
• Professional and business services, up $6,599 or 9.6%;
• Financial activities, up $4,037 or 5.5%; and,
• Federal government, up $4,001 or 5.5%.