Food Preparation Workers pay in South Dakota
In South Dakota, the median pay for food preparation workers is $14.63 an hour ($30,430 a year). About 3,270 people work in this job there.
That is 14% lower than the U.S. median ($35,320). South Dakota ranks 39th of 51 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for food preparation workers in South Dakota
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $12.75 | $26,510 |
| 25% of workers | $13.55 | $28,170 |
| Half of workers (median) | $14.63 | $30,430 |
| 75% of workers | $16.42 | $34,140 |
| 90% of workers | $18.55 | $38,580 |
Food Preparation Workers pay in South Dakota metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid City | $30,670 | 610 |
| Sioux Falls | $30,360 | 1,170 |
South Dakota unemployment rate: 2% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for food preparation workers
- Typical education to start: No formal educational credential (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 3 to 6 months (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: -3% over ten years, declining · about 135,700 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in South Dakota
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $29,490 |
| Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers | $29,920 |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | $36,730 |
| Cooks, Short Order | $32,380 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $36,220 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | $30,950 |
| Butchers and Meat Cutters | $37,310 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.