South Dakota ranks 43rd of 49 states and D.C. for photographers pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($110,530) by $75,380 — a 214% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $30,950 to $58,460 — a $27,510 spread, 58% tighter than the national $65,150 range.
Photographers are less concentrated in South Dakota than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.69 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.45× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $30,950 | $14.88 |
| 25th percentile | $31,450 | $15.12 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $35,150 | $16.90 |
| 75th percentile | $43,100 | $20.72 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $58,460 | $28.11 |
| Mean (average) | $39,420 | $18.95 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $35,150 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $110,530 | +214% |
| Massachusetts | $60,610 | +72% |
| New York | $57,700 | +64% |
| Oregon | $55,640 | +58% |
| Minnesota | $54,650 | +55% |
| New Jersey | $50,760 | +44% |
| California | $50,610 | +44% |
| Delaware | $50,040 | +42% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Cooks, Restaurant | $35,150 | 1,880 |
| 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 Photographers salary in South Dakota?
The mean photographers salary in South Dakota is $39,420 per year. The median (middle) salary is $35,150 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Photographers in South Dakota?
Entry-level photographerss (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $30,950 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $31,450 per year.
What is the highest Photographers salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $58,460 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $43,100 per year.
How does the South Dakota Photographers salary compare to the national average?
The median photographers salary in South Dakota is $35,150, which is -17% below national average of $42,520.