South Dakota rarely gets the spotlight, but it’s quietly one of the smartest places in the country to turn a college degree into a real career. There are many great south dakota jobs. The state’s unemployment rate sits around 2.1 %—among the lowest anywhere—housing remains affordable (especially outside Sioux Falls and Rapid City), and companies pay competitive wages because they struggle to attract educated talent. Sioux Falls has become a legitimate finance and health hub, Rapid City benefits from defense and tourism, and even smaller spots like Brookings and Vermillion are holding strong. Here are six great South Dakota jobs that are actively hiring right now for people with bachelor’s degrees or higher.

1. Software Engineer / Developer

Average salary: $95,000–$130,000

Sioux Falls has quietly grown into a tech corridor. Raven Industries (now CNH Industrial), Citibank’s large operations center, and a wave of fintech and ag-tech startups need engineers who can build backend systems, mobile apps, or data platforms. Computer science, software engineering, or related degrees are the standard entry point.

Many roles offer hybrid or fully remote options, allowing professionals to live in Brookings, Vermillion, or even the Black Hills while earning strong pay. Key employers include Raven Aerostar, Citibank, First PREMIER Bank (tech teams), and smaller firms like Daktronics.

2. Registered Nurse (BSN)

Average salary: $75,000–$105,000 + $15,000–$30,000 sign-on bonuses

Sanford Health (Sioux Falls), Avera Health, and Monument Health in Rapid City face ongoing nursing shortages. Rural hospitals in Aberdeen, Watertown, and Pierre often provide larger incentives.

South Dakota offers some of the highest RN wages in the Midwest due to shortages and relatively low cost of living. Many facilities provide relocation assistance and housing stipends.

3. Financial Analyst / Accountant

Average salary: $70,000–$100,000

Sioux Falls is home to a surprising concentration of banking and credit-card operations. First PREMIER Bank, Citibank, Wells Fargo, and insurance companies need analysts for risk modeling, compliance, budgeting, and forecasting. Degrees in finance, accounting, or economics are typical requirements.

Starting salaries are competitive for the region, and credentials like CPA or CFA noticeably accelerate advancement and pay increases.

4. Civil / Environmental Engineer

Average salary: $80,000–$110,000

Infrastructure projects (roads, water systems, wind farms) remain steady. Firms like KLJ Engineering, Banner Associates, and the state DOT need engineers who can design and manage projects in a state with harsh winters and vast rural areas.

Federal infrastructure funding and South Dakota’s renewable-energy growth (especially wind) keep the project pipeline full. Many roles qualify for PSLF if you go public-sector.

5. Agribusiness / Supply Chain Analyst

Average salary: $70,000–$100,000

South Dakota is still an agricultural powerhouse. Companies like Raven, Poet (ethanol), and large co-ops need analysts who can optimize supply chains, forecast commodity prices, or manage logistics. Degrees in agribusiness, business, or supply-chain management are highly valued.

Why it’s hot: The state’s position in the grain and livestock belt, combined with growing ethanol and renewable-diesel production, creates steady demand.

6. High School Teacher – Math, Science, Special Education

Average salary: $50,000–$75,000 + loan forgiveness & rural incentives

Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and rural districts (like Aberdeen, Watertown, and Pierre) offer $5,000–$15,000 signing bonuses and loan-forgiveness programs for high-need subjects.

Smaller class sizes, supportive communities, and early dismissal times (often by 3:00) combined with full summers make these positions attractive long-term.

How to Actually Land One of These Great South Dakota Jobs

• Add “open to relocation to Sioux Falls / Rapid City / South Dakota” to your LinkedIn headline—recruiters search that phrase constantly.
• Use SouthDakotaWorks.org the state workforce site) and the South Dakota Department of Education teacher job board.
• Customize resumes to demonstrate awareness of regional cost of living—employers appreciate candidates who understand South Dakota’s realities.
• Network at South Dakota Chamber events or the Sioux Falls Tech Meetups—the scene is small but highly effective.

South Dakota may be understated, but the opportunities are substantial. These great South Dakota jobs provide competitive compensation, reasonable quality of life, and room to build a career without constant financial pressure. The openings are real, the growth continues, and there is still space for talented people to step in.

If these are careers that are of interest and you need a degree, reach out to SmarterDegree!