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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 49,830 in Octber 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
October 2024

Labor Force

This data is seasonally adjusted.

Preliminary estimates show South Dakota's unemployment rate decreased 0.1% to 1.9% in October 2024. The labor force increased over the month by 1,100 workers (0.2%) to 485,100 workers. The level of unemployed decreased by 300 (3.2%) to 9,200 persons unemployed.

South Dakota's October 2024 labor force of 485,100 increased compared to the October 2023 level of 481,800. The level of employed increased by 4,100 (0.9%); the number of unemployed decreased by 800 persons (8.0%). The unemployment rate decreased 0.2% to 1.9%.

South Dakota Unemployment Rates by County

October 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 1,900 (0.4%) from September 2024 to October 2024.

Government added 1,000 workers (1.2%) over the month. Local Government had a gain of 1,000 workers (1.9%) with Local Government Educational Services increasing 1,600 (5.7%). State Government had an increase of 100 workers (0.5%). State Government Educational Services added 400 workers (4.1%) over the month. Growth in Educational Services is common this time of year as establishments continue to build their workforce during the earlier part of the school year. Federal Government worker levels fell 100 (0.8%), dropping to 11,700 workers.

Private Education and Health Services added 600 workers (0.8%) in October 2024. Private Educational Services accounted for most of this growth, adding 500 workers (6.3%). Gains are expected this time of year as private schools, like their public counterparts mentioned above, continue increasing their workforce in the earlier part of the school year. Health Care and Social Assistance had a gain of 100 workers (0.1%). Hospitals added 200 workers (0.7%), reaching 28,900 workers in October 2024.

Leisure and Hospitality worker levels fell 1,100 (2.1%), dropping to 50,500 workers in October 2024. Losses are expected this time of year as tourism-reliant establishments reduce staff to match the decline in visitors. Establishments included in this supersector are campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, and golf courses.

Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities workers levels rose 400 (2.5%) over the month, jumping to 16,100 workers in October 2024. Growth is spread throughout the state. The Sioux Falls and Rapid City Metropolitan Statical Areas (MSAs) each added 100 workers in October 2024. Worker levels in Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities fluctuate throughout the year, with some types of businesses employing additional staff during the holidays. Examples of establishments in this industry include delivery services, local and long-distance trucking, general warehousing, tow truck services, natural gas distribution, and scheduled air passenger transportation.

Over-the-year comparisons

The total nonfarm wage and salaried worker level increased by 3,900 workers (0.8%) from October 2023 to October 2024. The top contributors to this growth were Construction; Government; and Private Education and Health Services.

Construction added the largest number of workers over the year with the addition of 2,300 workers (7.6%). Specialty Trade Contractor accounted for a little over half of this growth, adding 1,300 workers (7.4%). Specialty Trade Contractors perform a specific activity, such as site preparation, pouring concrete, plumbing, painting, and electrical work. Heavy and Civil Engineering and Construction of Buildings each added 500 workers over the year. Commercial projects, housing, and expanding infrastructures have all played a role in the continued growth in Construction. Apartment complexes, strip malls, home renovations, and road improvements are just a few examples of projects underway throughout the state.

Private Education and Health Services workers levels trended up over the year, adding 1,500 workers (1.9%). The bulk of this growth took place in the Sioux Falls MSA (900 workers). Statewide, Health Care and Social Assistance increased 1,400 workers (2.0%). Hospitals added 700 workers (2.5%). Worker levels in Health Care and Social Assistance have remained strong due to population increases and increased access to specialized services. As individuals strive to live healthier lifestyles, the demand for services in wellness, nutrition, and mental health also grows. Private Educational Services increased 100 workers (1.2%) over the year.

Manufacturing declined 1,700 workers (3.8%), dropping to 43,600 in October 2024. Most of this loss took place outside the Sioux Falls and Rapid City MSAs. Durable Goods Manufacturing accounted for this loss, dropping 2,200 (7.7%). Examples of Durable Goods include trailers, furniture, and electronic equipment. Non-Durable Goods added 500 workers over the year, jumping to 17,300 workers in October 2024. Non-Durable Goods include food and beverage products, paper products, and fuel.

Financial Activities had a loss of 1,200 workers (4.3%). The Sioux Falls MSA had a loss of 1,600 worker over the year, and the Rapid City MSA declined 200. Credit card banks, saving institutions, portfolio fund managing, and insurance claims adjusting are examples of establishments. Advances in technology and increased automation have streamlined many services, reducing demand for workers.

Government added 1,700 workers (2.0%). Local Government accounted for a majority of this growth, adding 1,300 workers (2.5%). Local Government Educational Services gained 1,100 workers (3.8%) over the year. The Federal Government and State Government had growth on a smaller scale, adding 100 workers (0.9%) and 300 workers (1.6%), respectively. Population growth drives the demand in Government; as communities expand so does the need for additional workers to meet those needs.