South Dakota ranks 30th of 51 states and D.C. for paralegals and legal assistants pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($99,300) by $42,000 — a 73% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $47,020 to $84,150 — a $37,130 spread, 37% tighter than the national $59,280 range.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants are less concentrated in South Dakota than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.61 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.64× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $47,020 | $22.61 |
| 25th percentile | $48,420 | $23.28 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $57,300 | $27.55 |
| 75th percentile | $63,650 | $30.60 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $84,150 | $40.46 |
| Mean (average) | $59,790 | $28.74 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $57,300 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $99,300 | +73% |
| Washington | $78,010 | +36% |
| Massachusetts | $74,990 | +31% |
| Colorado | $73,380 | +28% |
| California | $72,960 | +27% |
| Minnesota | $67,320 | +17% |
| New York | $66,390 | +16% |
| Oregon | $63,970 | +12% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Editors | $57,260 | 100 |
| Property Appraisers and Assessors | $57,440 | 450 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $57,540 | 1,290 |
| Self-Enrichment Teachers | $57,700 | 210 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $56,880 | 5,990 |
| Postal Service Clerks | $57,800 | 420 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in South Dakota?
The mean paralegals and legal assistants salary in South Dakota is $59,790 per year. The median (middle) salary is $57,300 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in South Dakota?
Entry-level paralegals and legal assistantss (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $47,020 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $48,420 per year.
What is the highest Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $84,150 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $63,650 per year.
How does the South Dakota Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median paralegals and legal assistants salary in South Dakota is $57,300, which is -6% below national average of $61,010.