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South Dakota e-Labor Bulletin

August 2026

South Dakota Industries Projected to Decline Through 2034

Last month’s Labor Bulletin article highlighted the 10 industries projected to grow the fastest (percentage-wise) over the next decade. It’s equally important to recognize the industries expected to decline through 2034. Several factors contribute to these long‑term downward employment projections, including consumer demand, technological advancements, industry consolidations, economic conditions, and shifting consumer preferences.

South Dakota’s mix of industries expected to decline fall under the Information and Manufacturing sectors for the most part. Industries are categorized (based on their primary business activity) into varying degrees of detail using the numeric North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). NAICS codes range from two-digit to six-digit; the more digits, the more specific the classification of activities.

The lone industry at the broadest, two-digit (sector) level projected to show an overall decline through 2034 in South Dakota is Information. Only nine South Dakota industries at the three digit NAICS sub-sector level are projected to experience noteworthy employment declines (greater than 1.0%) by 2034. Those sub-sectors are listed below, under their broader two-digit sectors.

• Manufacturing (NAICS 31-33)
• Paper Manufacturing (NAICS 322)
• Printing and Related Support Activities (NAICS 323)
• Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing (NAICS 334)
• Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing (NAICS 337)
• Wholesale (NAICS 42)
• Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers (NAICS 425)
• Retail (NAICS 44–45)
• Furniture, Home Furnishings, Electronics, and Appliance Retailers (NAICS 449)
• Information (NAICS 51)
• Publishing Industries (NAICS 513)
• Broadcasting and Content Providers (NAICS 516)
• Telecommunications (NAICS 517)

Publishing Industries (except Internet)

The Publishing Industries (except Internet) subsector is projected to decrease by 9.3% (78 workers) through 2034 in South Dakota. Establishments in this sector publish newspapers, magazines, periodicals, books, directories, mailing lists, and software. This subsector depends strongly on consumer preferences, and ongoing shifts have contributed to the decline. As more people access news, sports, and other content through smartphones, tablets, and laptops, reliance on physical paper products continues to fall. Consumer behavior is increasingly favoring online content over physical formats. The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) estimates that 95.2% of all households in South Dakota have one or more types of computing devices.

Telecommunications

The Telecommunications subsector is projected to decrease by 6.1% (150 workers) through 2034. Businesses in this subsector operate and/or provide access to facilities for the transmission of voice, data, text, sound, and video content. Establishments provide telecommunication and related services such as telephone, cable and satellite television distribution, and internet access. Data from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program shows this subsector lost about 18 establishments and 340 workers between 2014 and 2024. This sustained downward trend is driven by establishment consolidation and ongoing technological advancements, reducing the need for labor and ultimately lowering costs.

Paper Manufacturing

Worker levels in the Paper Manufacturing subsector are projected to decrease by 5.4% (37 workers). This subsector includes manufacturers of pulp, paper, and converted paper products. The manufacturing of pulp involves separating the cellulose fibers from other impurities in wood or used paper. The manufacturing of paper involves matting these fibers into a sheet. Converted paper products are made from paper and other materials by various cutting and shaping techniques. The publishing, printing, and paper manufacturing industries are closely related and continue to be affected by a persistent shift in consumer behavior toward digital information consumption. In addition to changing consumer preferences, other factors decreasing demand include industry consolidations and cost cutting measures.

Broadcasting and Content Providers

The number of workers employed in the Broadcasting and Content Providers subsector is expected to slightly decrease by 4.8% (39 workers). Establishments within this subsector create content or acquire the right to distribute content and subsequently broadcast or distribute that content. This subsector is in the same situation as other industries within the Information Sector, affected by the rise in online content. South Dakota is also considered a smaller market for radio and television, and industry consolidations along with funding shortfalls have negatively impacted employment levels. For example, in August 2025, South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB) announced a 25% workforce reduction, cutting 15 positions and eliminating several local programs due to a decrease in federal funding, according to Keloland news.

Furniture, Home Furnishings, Electronics, and Appliance Retailers

The Furniture, Home Furnishings, Electronics, and Appliance Retailers subsector is projected to decrease by 4.5% (118 workers) through 2034 in South Dakota. These retailers sell new furniture, home furnishings, electronics, and appliances. Those with fixed point-of-sale locations may operate showrooms or other locations that have substantial areas for the presentation or demonstration of their products. A few factors have contributed to the expected employment decline: increased competition from online retailers, rising inflation, and a slower housing market. When consumers feel the impact of higher prices, they often delay major purchases such as a house, appliances, or furniture whenever possible. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED), active single-family and condo/townhome listings in South Dakota reached their lowest level in 2022. Since then, listing activity has increased, indicating a more balanced market and suggesting the housing market is currently moving at a slower pace than in the past few years. Less activity in the housing market can negatively impact the demand for items sold under this subsector.

Printing and Related Support Activities

The number of workers employed in the Printing and Related Support Activities subsector is expected to decrease by 4.2% (54 workers). This subsector includes establishments that print products such as newspapers, books, labels, business cards, stationery, business forms, and other materials, and perform support activities like data imaging, plate-making, and bookbinding. The factors driving the decline in the Publishing Industries (except Internet) are also affecting this subsector. As consumers continue shifting toward digital resources, the downward trend is expected to persist. Most everyday tasks are completed online. For example, bill paying traditionally involved the sending of paper bills and consumers writing and mailing back checks. Most customers now prefer to pay bills online instantaneously with a simple click of a few buttons. The demand for printed materials continues to decrease, and the demand for support activities follows.

Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing

Worker levels in the Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing subsector are projected to decrease by 2.0% (41 workers) in South Dakota. These manufacturers make furniture and related articles, such as mattresses, window blinds, cabinets, and fixtures. The processes used include cutting, bending, molding, laminating, and assembling of materials such as wood, metal, glass, plastics, and rattan. The Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing subsector is closely connected to the Furniture, Home Furnishings, Electronics, and Appliance Retailers subsector. One of the primary drivers is consumer demand for the products being manufactured. When retailers struggle to sell items produced in this subsector, demand decreases for the products themselves, which in turn reduces the need for workers who make the items.

Wholesale Trade Agents, and Brokers

The Wholesale Trade Agents, and Brokers subsector is projected to decrease by 1.3% (6 workers) through 2034. Establishments classified here arrange for the sale of goods owned by others, generally on a fee or commission basis. Businesses that act on behalf of the buyers and sellers of goods to facilitate a wholesale trade are also included here. Employment needs within the Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers subsector have been negatively impacted by the rise in e-commerce and efficiencies gained through technology.

Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing

Worker levels in the Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing subsector are projected to decrease by 1.1% (22 workers) in the state. These businesses manufacture computers, computer peripherals, communications equipment, similar electronic products, and components for such products. Consumer demand for the products being produced is the primary driver of employment levels, with some South Dakota-specific examples including magnetics, resistors, driverless agricultural equipment components, and circuit boards.

Want more information?

The 2024 to 2034 projections data for all industries in South Dakota is available from our Industry Projections menu in several options: in our online data system (with options including filtering and exporting), as well as PDF or Excel file downloads. Contact us with questions or for assistance as needed.