Recreation Worker salary in South Dakota
Recreation Workers in South Dakota earn a median of $42,270 a year ($20.32 an hour), based on BLS data for 650 workers.
Pay ranges from $32,390 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,470 for the top 10%. That is 16% higher than the national median of $36,560. South Dakota ranks 3rd of 51 states for recreation workers pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 1.4 recreation workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.67). The average (mean) salary is $44,200, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for recreation workers in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,390 | $15.57 |
| 25th percentile | $35,900 | $17.26 |
| Median | $42,270 | $20.32 |
| 75th percentile | $48,630 | $23.38 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,470 | $29.07 |
| Average (mean) | $44,200 | $21.25 |
Half of recreation workers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,522.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,761.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,625.77 |
| Weekly | $812.88 |
| Hourly | $20.32 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Recreation Worker salary in cities in South Dakota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $40,050 | 180 |
| Rapid City, SD | $39,850 | 100 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $35,700 | 110 |
Highest-paying states for recreation workers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $46,460 |
| Washington | $44,890 |
| South Dakota | $42,270 |
| Hawaii | $41,000 |
| California | $39,780 |
| Oregon | $39,610 |
| Colorado | $38,820 |
| Massachusetts | $38,540 |
| New York | $38,040 |
| Alaska | $37,510 |
Related jobs in South Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Worker | $27,940 | $13.43 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,420 | $18.47 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $40,070 | $19.26 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $50,990 | $24.52 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $29,730 | $14.29 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,390 | $14.61 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $49,800 | $23.94 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $35,100 | $16.88 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $49,860 | $23.97 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $29,430 | $14.15 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $45,310 | $21.79 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $44,470 | $21.38 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $47,840 | $23.00 |
| Gambling Dealer | $36,190 | $17.40 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in South Dakota
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-9032. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a recreation worker make in South Dakota?
The median salary for recreation workers in South Dakota is $42,270 a year, or $20.32 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,390 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,470 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid recreation workers make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of recreation workers in South Dakota earn at least $60,470 a year. The top 25% earn $48,630 or more.
What is the starting pay for recreation workers in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,390 a year, and a quarter of recreation workers earn $35,900 or less.
How many recreation workers work in South Dakota?
About 650 recreation workers are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.