South Dakota ranks 42nd of 50 states and D.C. for clergy pay, trailing top-paying California ($77,850) by $22,770 — a 41% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $36,620 to $74,520 — a $37,900 spread, 39% tighter than the national $62,580 range.
Clergy are less concentrated in South Dakota than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.74 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.35× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $36,620 | $17.60 |
| 25th percentile | $48,320 | $23.23 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $55,080 | $26.48 |
| 75th percentile | $66,190 | $31.82 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $74,520 | $35.83 |
| Mean (average) | $57,200 | $27.50 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $55,080 | n/a |
| California | $77,850 | +41% |
| Washington | $77,530 | +41% |
| Nevada | $70,150 | +27% |
| Massachusetts | $67,830 | +23% |
| Vermont | $66,860 | +21% |
| New Hampshire | $66,670 | +21% |
| Georgia | $65,510 | +19% |
| Minnesota | $65,350 | +19% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare | $55,270 | 120 |
| Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers | $54,760 | 230 |
| Tool and Die Makers | $55,570 | 100 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $54,520 | 760 |
| Real Estate Sales Agents | $54,410 | 330 |
| Health Education Specialists | $55,770 | 140 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Clergy salary in South Dakota?
The mean clergy salary in South Dakota is $57,200 per year. The median (middle) salary is $55,080 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Clergy in South Dakota?
Entry-level clergys (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $36,620 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $48,320 per year.
What is the highest Clergy salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $74,520 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $66,190 per year.
How does the South Dakota Clergy salary compare to the national average?
The median clergy salary in South Dakota is $55,080, which is -9% below national average of $60,820.