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Labor Market Information Center

Overview of the Current Labor Market

The analysis below is based on the most current labor market data available at any point in time.

Labor Supply

The number of South Dakotans who would be available to staff a new or expanding business, or South Dakota's labor supply, was estimated at 46,575 in February 2024. Included in this labor supply are those who currently hold jobs (and would like to change) and those who, for a variety of reasons, do not have jobs.

South Dakota Labor Supply
February 2024

Labor Force

This data is seasonally adjusted.

Preliminary estimates show South Dakota's unemployment rate remained unchanged at 2.1% in February 2024. The labor force decreased over the month by 100 workers (0.0%) to 481,500 workers. The level of unemployed increased by 100 (1.0%) to 10,000 persons unemployed.

South Dakota's February 2024 labor force of 481,500 increased compared to the February 2023 level of 477,500. The level of employed increased by 3,100 (0.7%); the level of unemployed increased by 800 persons (8.7%). The unemployment rate increased 0.2% to 2.1%.

South Dakota Unemployment Rates by County

February 2024

This data is not seasonally adjusted.

Notes about labor force data

The unemployment rate represents the number of unemployed as a percent of the labor force. People are classified as unemployed if they do not have jobs, have actively looked for work in the prior four weeks and are currently available for work. People who were not working and were waiting to be recalled to jobs from which they were temporarily laid off are also included as unemployed.

Labor force estimates for South Dakota are produced by the Labor Market Information Center in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The concepts and definitions underlying the labor force data come from the Current Population Survey (CPS), the household survey which is the official measure of the labor force for the nation. The statewide estimate of the number of nonfarm jobs is a component of the model used to produce the labor force estimates. Other data used in this model include the number of continued unemployment insurance claims and survey data from the Current Population Survey (CPS) which is specific to the state.

Although state specific data is used in the production of the labor force estimates for South Dakota, the state monthly model estimates are controlled in "real time" to sum to national monthly labor force estimates from the CPS. Therefore, variation in the estimates of the employed and unemployed are somewhat controlled by what is happening nationally.

South Dakota Nonfarm Wage & Salaried Workers by Industry

This data is not seasonally adjusted.

Over-the-month comparisons

Based on a monthly survey of South Dakota establishments, preliminary estimates show the total nonfarm wage and salaried worker level increased by 2,100 (0.5%) from January 2024 to February 2024. This is consistent with traditional January to February growth in the state. Over the last 10 years, worker levels have had an average gain of 2,000 workers from January to February.

Government added 1,700 workers (2.1%) over the month. State Government added 1,100 workers (6.2%) with State Government Educational Services gaining 1,000 (11.1%). Local Government also showed strong growth with the addition of 600 workers (1.2%). Local Government Education Services increased 400 workers (1.4%). Historically, worker levels in both State and Local Government Educational Services increase in February after taking a quick dip due to winter holiday breaks. Federal Government remained unchanged over the month with 11,600 workers in February 2024.

Private Education and Health Services worker levels increased 900 (1.2%). Gains in Private Educational Services accounted for this growth, adding 900 workers (12.3%). Gains in Educational Services are typical this time of year as worker levels rebound after dipping for winter holiday breaks. Health Care and Social Assistance remained unchanged with 69,500 workers in February 2024.

Retail Trade worker levels decreased 800 (1.5%) over the month. While declines are common this time of year, this drop is larger than the average over-the-month loss. Over the last 10 years, worker levels in Retail Trade have had an average loss of 300 from January to February. Warehouse clubs, sporting goods retailers, car dealerships, department stores, hardware stores, supermarkets, and gasoline stations are examples of establishments in this sector.

Other Services (except Public Administration) had a loss of 500 workers (2.7%). Declines are spread throughout many of the establishments in this sector. The Sioux Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had a loss of 200 workers over the month, while the Rapid City MSA had a loss of 100. Examples of establishments in this sector include beauty salons, car washes, wedding planning services, civic and social organizations, general automotive repair shops and pet boarding services.

Over-the-year comparisons

The total nonfarm wage and salaried worker level increased by 8,500 workers (1.9%) from February 2023 to February 2024. The top contributors to this growth were Construction; Leisure and Hospitality; Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities; Private Education and Health Services; and Government.

Construction gained 2,600 workers (10.8%) over the year, climbing to 26,600 workers in February 2024. Specialty Trade Contractors increased 1,100 workers (7.6%). Specialty Trade Contractors perform a specific activity, such as site preparation, pouring concrete, plumbing, painting or doing electrical work. Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction also had strong growth, adding 800 workers (24.2%) over the year. Construction of Buildings added 700 workers (11.3%), jumping to 6,900 workers in February 2024. The demand for workers in construction has remained strong, with many establishments booked for jobs months in advance. Apartment complexes, strip malls, home renovations and road improvements are just a few examples of the updates you will see throughout the state.

Leisure and Hospitality worker levels rose 3.1% over the year with the addition of 1,400 workers. A majority of this growth took place outside of the Sioux Falls and Rapid City MSAs. While the Rapid City MSA added 500 workers, the Sioux Falls MSA had a loss of 200 workers. Worker levels in Leisure and Hospitality have trended up since April 2021. Growth in Leisure and Hospitality is related to employers growing their workforce throughout the year to keep up with demand.

Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities added 1,200 workers (8.2%), reaching 15,800 workers. This growth took place in the Sioux Falls MSA (1,300 workers). This sector includes industries that provide general freight trucking, courier services, warehousing and storage for goods, and support activities related to modes of transportation. Data from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program indicates growth was spread throughout the warehousing and storage subsector.

Private Education and Health Services increased by 1,200 workers (1.6%). Half of this growth took place in the Sioux Falls MSA (600 workers). Statewide, Health Care and Social Assistance added 1,100 workers (1.6%). Hospital worker levels rose 1.4% with the addition of 400 workers. Private Educational Services added 100 workers (1.2%). Gains are related to several factors, including population growth and an increase of specialized medical procedures which increase the demand for additional staff.

Government worker levels increased 2,000 (2.5%) From February 2023 to February 2024. Local Government added 1,200 workers (2.3%) with Local Government Educational Services adding 500 workers (1.8%). State Government also had over-the-year growth, adding 400 workers (2.2%). State Government Educational Services worker levels increased 300 (3.1%). Federal Government added 400 workers (3.6%), reaching 11,600 workers in February 2024. Population growth drives the demand in Government; as communities expand so does the need for additional workers to meet those needs.