South Dakota ranks 39th of 51 states and D.C. for food preparation workers pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($38,950) by $9,130 — a 31% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $25,600 to $37,400 — a $11,800 spread, 43% tighter than the national $20,770 range.
Food Preparation Workers are more concentrated in South Dakota than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.27 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.27× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $25,600 | $12.31 |
| 25th percentile | $28,030 | $13.48 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $29,820 | $14.34 |
| 75th percentile | $32,990 | $15.86 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $37,400 | $17.98 |
| Mean (average) | $30,760 | $14.79 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $29,820 | n/a |
| Washington | $38,950 | +31% |
| Colorado | $38,670 | +30% |
| District of Columbia | $38,440 | +29% |
| California | $38,150 | +28% |
| Massachusetts | $37,780 | +27% |
| Hawaii | $37,240 | +25% |
| Vermont | $37,030 | +24% |
| Alaska | $36,710 | +23% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | $29,790 | 1,760 |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $29,850 | 530 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $29,750 | 1,240 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $29,480 | 14,420 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $29,470 | 400 |
| Animal Caretakers | $29,460 | 1,030 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Food Preparation Workers salary in South Dakota?
The mean food preparation workers salary in South Dakota is $30,760 per year. The median (middle) salary is $29,820 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Food Preparation Workers in South Dakota?
Entry-level food preparation workerss (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $25,600 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $28,030 per year.
What is the highest Food Preparation Workers salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $37,400 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $32,990 per year.
How does the South Dakota Food Preparation Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median food preparation workers salary in South Dakota is $29,820, which is -13% below national average of $34,220.