South Dakota ranks 37th of 51 states and D.C. for cooks, restaurant pay, trailing top-paying Massachusetts ($46,280) by $11,130 — a 32% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $29,800 to $43,720 — a $13,920 spread, 28% tighter than the national $19,330 range.
Cooks, Restaurant are less concentrated in South Dakota than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.44 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 2.27× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $29,800 | $14.33 |
| 25th percentile | $31,010 | $14.91 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $35,150 | $16.90 |
| 75th percentile | $37,090 | $17.83 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $43,720 | $21.02 |
| Mean (average) | $35,150 | $16.90 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $35,150 | n/a |
| Massachusetts | $46,280 | +32% |
| District of Columbia | $45,230 | +29% |
| Washington | $44,980 | +28% |
| Maine | $44,870 | +28% |
| Hawaii | $44,710 | +27% |
| Vermont | $44,560 | +27% |
| California | $44,290 | +26% |
| New York | $39,890 | +13% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Photographers | $35,150 | 100 |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | $35,070 | 790 |
| Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs | $35,300 | 590 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $35,360 | 2,160 |
| Gambling Dealers | $34,660 | 160 |
| Coaches and Scouts | $34,440 | 1,230 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Cooks, Restaurant salary in South Dakota?
The mean cooks, restaurant salary in South Dakota is $35,150 per year. The median (middle) salary is $35,150 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in South Dakota?
Entry-level cooks, restaurants (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $29,800 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $31,010 per year.
What is the highest Cooks, Restaurant salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $43,720 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $37,090 per year.
How does the South Dakota Cooks, Restaurant salary compare to the national average?
The median cooks, restaurant salary in South Dakota is $35,150, which is -5% below national average of $36,830.