Salaries in Pierre, SD
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
You might think Pierre, South Dakota, is a sleepy administrative town where nothing much happens. You’d be wrong. This city of 14,008 people has an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and it’s quietly become a surprisingly competitive market for certain skilled professionals.
The secret here isn’t high salaries; it’s the purchasing power. With a cost-of-living index of 89.5—about 10% below the national average—your money stretches. A median household income of $74,053 feels more like $83,000 in a typical U.S. city. A one-bedroom apartment renting for $760 a month is almost unheard of in 2026, and it means housing costs aren’t eating up your paycheck.
Who thrives here? It’s not just state government workers. Major employers like the South Dakota state government, Avera St. Mary’s Hospital, and the local school district anchor the economy. But the real surprise is tech. A software developer here earns a median salary of $123,251, which adjusts to a powerful $137,711 in national purchasing power. This is a place where a six-figure salary goes a very long way.
My honest take? Wages look modest on paper, but the low cost of living is a genuine advantage. The catch is the limited job market. If you’re not in government, healthcare, education, or a specialized field like software, opportunities are sparse. For remote workers or those in these in-demand roles, Pierre offers a financial life that’s increasingly rare.
The data below will break down exactly what you can expect to earn and spend in this unique capital city.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Pierre
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Pierre
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (90/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $123,251 |
| 2 | Accountant | $83,368 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $83,358 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $61,664 |
| 5 | Electrician | $59,611 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $59,543 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $51,417 |
| 8 | Marketing Manager | $48,424 |
| 9 | Medical Assistant | $48,424 |
| 10 | Paralegal | $48,424 |
| 11 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $48,424 |
| 12 | Welder | $48,424 |
| 13 | Pharmacist | $48,424 |
| 14 | Police Officer | $48,424 |
| 15 | Project Manager | $48,424 |
| 16 | Graphic Designer | $48,424 |
| 17 | Data Analyst | $48,424 |
| 18 | Plumber | $48,424 |
| 19 | Carpenter | $48,424 |
| 20 | Human Resources Specialist | $48,424 |
| 21 | Physical Therapist | $48,424 |
| 22 | Financial Analyst | $48,424 |
| 23 | Firefighter | $48,424 |
| 24 | HVAC Technician | $48,424 |
| 25 | Construction Manager | $48,424 |
| 26 | Web Developer | $48,424 |
| 27 | Dental Hygienist | $48,424 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Pierre
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Pierre?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Pierre. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Pierre Salary FAQ
What is the average salary in Pierre, SD?
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Pierre Worth It?
Here’s my honest take: Pierre is a solid play if you value low costs over big-city buzz. With a COL index of 89.5 and rent at $760, your paycheck stretches further than most places. The $55,210 average salary isn’t dazzling, but tech workers crush it here—Software Developer at $123,251 (or $137,711 COL-adjusted) is the clear winner. Healthcare and trades hold their own thanks to steady demand and that cost-of-living edge, but tech is where the money’s at.
Is it worth it? For remote-friendly tech pros or anyone chasing savings, absolutely. If you need nightlife or a massive job market, maybe not. My advice: Visit first. Pierre’s quiet, government-town vibe isn’t for everyone—make sure you can handle the slowness before packing your bags.