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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 52,805 in August 2025. 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
August 2025

Labor Force

This data is seasonally adjusted.

Preliminary estimates show South Dakota's unemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.9% in August 2025. The labor force decreased over the month by 600 workers (0.1%) to 492,700 workers. The level of unemployed increased by 300 (3.3%) to 9,400 persons unemployed.

South Dakota's August 2025 labor force of 492,700 increased compared to the August 2024 level of 490,000. The level of employed increased by 2,300 (0.5%); the number of unemployed increased by 400 persons (4.4%). The unemployment rate increased 0.1% to 1.9%.

South Dakota Unemployment Rates by County

August 2025

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 700 (0.1%) from July 2025 to August 2025.

Government added 900 workers (1.2%), reaching 78,800 workers in August 2025. Local Government and State Government each added 400 workers over the month. Gains in State and Local Government Educational Services accounted for the majority of the growth. This type of growth is typical this time of year as many establishments in educational services ramp up their workforce to prepare for a new school year. Federal Government gained 100 workers (0.9), reaching 11,500 workers in August 2025.

Professional and Business Services worker levels are up 500 (1.3%) over the month. Growth was spread throughout many of the establishments in this supersector. Landscaping services, temporary staffing services, janitorial services, payroll processing services, tax preparation services, and corporate offices primarily engaged in overseeing a company are examples of establishments in this supersector.

Manufacturing had a loss of 300 workers (0.7%), dropping to 44,100 workers in August 2025. Durable Goods had a loss of 200 workers (0.7%). Durable Goods are not immediately consumed and can be kept for a longer time. Non-Durable Goods worker levels fell by 100 (0.6%). Non-Durable Goods are immediately consumed in one use or have a lifespan of less than three years.

Financial Activities worker levels declined 300 (1.1%). This sector went from 28,000 workers in July 2025 to 27,700 workers in August 2025. Losses are a result of small declines across many establishments. Credit card banks, saving institutions, portfolio fund managing, and insurance claims adjusting are examples of establishments included.

Over-the-year comparisons

The total nonfarm wage and salaried worker level increased by 4,400 workers (0.9%) from August 2024 to August 2025.

Construction added 1,500 workers (4.7%) over the year, reaching 33,100 workers in August 2025. Specialty Trade Contractors added 700 workers (3.8%). Specialty Trade Contractors perform a specific activity, such as site preparation, pouring concrete, plumbing, painting, or doing electrical work. Construction of Buildings also had strong growth, adding 600 workers (7.7%). Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction increased by 200 workers (3.7). Growth in construction is driven by increased demand for housing and new commercial projects that come with population growth.

Professional and Business Services worker levels rose 3.4% with the addition of 1,300 workers. This supersector went from 38,000 workers in August 2024 to 39,300 workers in August 2025. This type of growth is a sign that other establishments are expanding at a rate were additional help from professional and business services is needed.

Manufacturing declined by 1,000 (2.2%), dropping to 44,100 workers in August 2025. Manufacturing has had over-the-year losses since June 2024. Non-Durable Goods declined by 600 workers (3.5%). Non-Durable Goods include food and beverage products, paper products, and fuel. Durable Goods Manufacturing also declined over the year with a loss of 400 workers (1.4%). Durable Goods, such as trailers, furniture, and electronic equipment, are not immediately consumed and can be kept for a longer time.

Leisure and Hospitality added 800 workers (1.4%) over the year. Examples of establishments in this industry include hotels, restaurants, casinos, zoos, museums, fitness centers, and water parks. Over-the-year growth is fueled by increased demand for travel, dining, and entertainment events throughout the state.