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Social Worker (government) · South Dakota

Government social worker salary in South Dakota

Government social workers in South Dakota earn a median $51,100 a year across all employers.

$51,100
median pay in SD, all employers
2,050
workers in SD (SOC 21-1021)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates. Data captured September 30, 2026.

Pay in South Dakota, all employers Sourced

Child, Family, and School Social Workers (SOC 21-1021) in South Dakota, all employers combined: BLS state estimates do not separate government from private.

MeasureSD
Workers2,050
10th percentile$39,150
Median$51,100
90th percentile$67,310
National median, government employers$65,660

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.

Pension in South Dakota

State employees

PlanAccrualNormal retirementEmployee paysSocial Security
South Dakota Retirement System - Generational Class A
Generational member, Class A
1.8%Age 67 with 3 years of contributory service (vested)6%Covered

Local employees

PlanAccrualNormal retirementEmployee paysSocial Security
South Dakota Retirement System - Generational Class A
Generational member, Class A
1.8%Age 67 with 3 years of contributory service (vested)6%Covered

The statewide plan a new hire usually joins. Some cities and counties run their own plans; check with the employer. Each plan's formula, vesting, cost-of-living adjustment and retiree health are on the South Dakota pension plans list.

Source: State retirement systems, Official state retirement system pages, member handbooks and statutes. Data captured October 2, 2026.

Free practice tests for South Dakota

Source: Open Exam Prep, Open Exam Prep free practice tests. Data captured October 1, 2026. Each link was opened and its exam title checked on the date shown.

More about this job

Requirements, hiring process, training, schedule and day-to-day work are on the national Social Worker (government) page.

Social Worker (government) in other states

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South Dakota government jobs · South Dakota public pension plans · police officer standards in South Dakota · exam practice in South Dakota