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Bookkeeper Salaries in South Dakota — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

South Dakota pays bookkeepers a median wage of $44,780 per year — that's $21.53/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 9,830 bookkeepers make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.

Bookkeeper salaries in South Dakota are below the national average by approximately $3,961. South Dakota has no state income tax.

South Dakota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for bookkeepers across both urban and rural areas.

South Dakota Bookkeeper Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in South Dakota after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. South Dakota has no state income tax.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$44,780
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$39,052

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. South Dakota has no state income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — South Dakota Bookkeeper Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the South Dakota median of $44,780.

Your annual salary ($)

Bookkeeper Salary by Experience — South Dakota

Entry Level (0–2 years)$27,800/yr · $13.37/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in South Dakota.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$39,854/yr · $19.16/hr
Established professional working independently in South Dakota. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$49,705/yr · $23.90/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in South Dakota.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$64,500+/yr · $31.01/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in South Dakota.
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Bookkeeper Salary Trend in South Dakota — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Five-year wage growth for bookkeepers in South Dakota: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in South Dakota's business and financial services.

2021
$39,316
2022
$41,600
+5.8%
2023
$43,526
+4.6%
2024
$44,242
+1.6%
2026
$44,780
+1.2%

Bookkeeper Salary by City — South Dakota

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Sioux Falls$49,700$23.89+11.0%3,440
Rapid City$47,450$22.81+6.0%2,752
Aberdeen$46,100$22.16+2.9%1,769
Brookings$43,000$20.67-4.0%884
Watertown$40,750$19.59-9.0%589
Mitchell$38,950$18.73-13.0%393

Tip: Sioux Falls offers the highest bookkeeper salaries in South Dakota at $49,700/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

South Dakota vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, South Dakota compares favourably for bookkeepers.

South Dakota — No state income tax$44,780 gross~$39,052 take-home
North Dakota — 2.5%$48,260 gross+7.8% vs SD
Minnesota — 9.85%$52,350 gross+16.9% vs SD
Iowa — 6.0%$47,150 gross+5.3% vs SD

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. South Dakota has no state income tax.

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Bookkeeper Job Outlook in South Dakota

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
9,830Currently employed
983+New jobs projected

Employment for bookkeepers in South Dakota is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the South Dakota job market. South Dakota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for bookkeepers across both urban and rural areas.

How to Earn More as a Bookkeeper in South Dakota

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a bookkeeper in South Dakota typically adds $36,700 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the AIPB Certification (voluntary) can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Sioux Falls pays bookkeepers $49,700/yr — +11.0% above the South Dakota average. Simply relocating within South Dakota can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Bookkeepers who specialise in business and financial services typically command premium rates in South Dakota. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. North Dakota pays bookkeepers $48,260/yr — 7.8% vs South Dakota.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a bookkeeper earn in South Dakota on average?
The average bookkeeper salary in South Dakota is $44,780 per year, or $21.53 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $27,800 while experienced professionals earn $64,500 or more.
What city in South Dakota pays bookkeepers the most?
Sioux Falls pays bookkeepers the most in South Dakota at an average of $49,700 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is bookkeeper pay in South Dakota above or below the US average?
South Dakota bookkeeper salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $3,961. South Dakota has no state income tax.
What's the after-tax salary for bookkeepers in South Dakota?
A bookkeeper earning the South Dakota average of $44,780 takes home approximately $39,052 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. South Dakota has no state income tax.
Is bookkeeper a good career in South Dakota?
Yes. Bookkeeper is a strong career choice in South Dakota with steady demand projected over the next decade. South Dakota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for bookkeepers across both urban and rural areas.
How do you get a bookkeeper licence in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, bookkeepers are licensed through the AIPB Certification (voluntary). Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the AIPB Certification (voluntary) for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.