Graphic Designer Salary in South Dakota: $52,434 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across South Dakota's 11 metropolitan areas, the average median graphic designer pay sits at $52,434/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 27-1024. Because South Dakota sits at BEA RPP 92.8 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $56,502 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Watertown ($56,180), Yankton ($56,163), Spearfish ($56,022).
In South Dakota, graphic designer salaries are projected to average $52,433 in 2026, which is 19.4% lower than the national median of $65,075. The highest paying city in the state is Watertown, offering an average salary of $58,068, while Rapid City has the lowest at $51,670, creating a salary gap of $6,398. This difference often relates to local demand for designers, cost of living, and the concentration of industries that require graphic design services, such as advertising and media. Within the state, there are 325 employed graphic designers, and the job market shows a growth rate of 3.36% annually, indicating a steady demand for graphic design professionals. Cities like Yankton, Spearfish, Mitchell, and Aberdeen follow Watertown closely, with average salaries ranging from $57,391 to $58,050. South Dakota does not have extensive licensing requirements or stringent scope of practice laws specific to graphic designers, which can foster a more accessible entry into the field. Understanding local business needs and industry trends will be crucial for new entrants looking to maximize their earning potential in South Dakota’s evolving job market.
South Dakota Graphic Designer Salary Range
Overall salary range in South Dakota: $35,643 (lowest entry-level) to $90,005 (highest top earner)
South Dakota vs National Average
South Dakota graphic designers earn 19.43% less than the national median ($-12,641/year difference).
South Dakota Graphic Designer Salary Distribution (2026)
Graphic Designer salaries in South Dakota range from $38,086 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $73,827 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $52,434. The South Dakota median is $12,641 below the US national median of $65,075. The average hourly rate is $25.21/hr. Approximately 325 graphic designers are employed across 11 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,377
2025 BLS Actual
$50,729
2026 Current Est.
$52,434
2019–2027 Growth
+49.0%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in South Dakota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,377 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,904 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,639 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,353 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,781 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,105 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,729 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,434 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,196 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Dakota metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 39.5% from $36,377 (2019) to $50,729 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,196 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,819 (48.98%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Dakota metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.36% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in South Dakota
Lowest Paying Cities in South Dakota
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Rapid City | $51,670 |
| Sioux Falls | $51,711 |
| Huron | $55,692 |
| Vermillion | $55,779 |
| Brookings | $55,793 |
Best Value Cities for Graphic Designers in South Dakota
When adjusted for local cost of living, these South Dakota cities offer the most purchasing power for graphic designers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown | $58,068 | 92.8 | $62,573 |
| Yankton | $58,050 | 92.8 | $62,554 |
| Spearfish | $57,904 | 92.8 | $62,397 |
| Mitchell | $57,487 | 92.8 | $61,947 |
| Aberdeen | $57,391 | 92.8 | $61,844 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $38,086 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $52,434 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $73,827 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across South Dakota metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 11 Cities in South Dakota
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Watertown | $58,068 |
| 2 | Yankton | $58,050 |
| 3 | Spearfish | $57,904 |
| 4 | Mitchell | $57,487 |
| 5 | Aberdeen | $57,391 |
| 6 | Pierre | $56,737 |
| 7 | Brookings | $55,793 |
| 8 | Vermillion | $55,779 |
| 9 | Huron | $55,692 |
| 10 | Sioux Falls | $51,711 |
| 11 | Rapid City | $51,670 |
More South Dakota Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore graphic designer hourly pay in South Dakota cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced graphic designers.
Explore More Graphic Designer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do graphic designers make in South Dakota in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for graphic designers in South Dakota?
How does South Dakota graphic designer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level graphic designer salary in South Dakota?
How many graphic designers are employed in South Dakota?
Which South Dakota city offers the best value for graphic designers?
Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.36% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 graphic designer compensation across South Dakota. State averages are employment-weighted across 11 metro areas — larger metro areas with more graphic designerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.36%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for graphic designers (SOC 27-1024).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov