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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 40,950 in May 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
May 2024

Labor Force

This data is seasonally adjusted.

Preliminary estimates show South Dakota's unemployment rate remained unchanged at 2.0% in May 2024. The labor force increased over the month by 100 workers (0.0%) to 481,600 workers. The level of unemployed decreased by 100 (1.0%) to 9,600 persons unemployed.

South Dakota's May 2024 labor force of 481,600 increased compared to the May 2023 level of 480,500. The level of employed increased by 900 (0.2%); the level of unemployed increased by 300 persons (3.2%). The unemployment rate increased 0.1% to 2.0%.

South Dakota Unemployment Rates by County

May 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 10,200 (2.2%) from April 2024 to May 2024. This is even higher than the traditional April to May growth in the state. Over the last 10 years, worker levels have had an average gain of 9,300 workers from April to May.

Leisure and Hospitality worker levels rose 10.1% over the month with the addition of 4,800 workers. The Rapid City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) added 1,300 workers over the month, while the Sioux Falls MSA added 1,000. Museums, campgrounds, zoos, casinos, fitness centers, hotels, and restaurants are examples of establishments included in this supersector. Growth this time of year is expected as establishments build up their staffing levels to prepare for an increase in visitors.

Construction gained 1,800 workers (6.3%), reaching 30,600 workers in May 2024. Specialty Trade Contractors increased 900 workers (5.4%). 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 significant gains, adding 700 workers (14.6%) in May 2024. Construction of Buildings had an increase of 200 workers (2.7%). An uptick in workers is expected this time of year as establishments ramp up their workforce in order to tackle new projects or projects that were halted due to winter weather.

Retail Trade added 1,200 workers (2.3%) in May 2024. Seasonal establishments increasing their workforce to prepare for the inflow of consumers contributed to this gain. Souvenir stores, sporting goods retailers, garden centers, hardware stores, supermarkets, and gasoline stations are examples of establishments in this sector.

Government added 1,100 workers (1.3%) over the month. Local Government accounted for this growth, adding 1,200 workers. Gains in Local Government are typical this time of year as local governments hire summer workers for ground maintenance, road work, lifeguarding, etc. Federal Government added 200 workers (1.7%). State Government had a loss of 300 workers, dropping to 18,500 workers in May 2024.

Over-the-year comparisons

The total nonfarm wage and salaried worker level increased by 8,100 workers (1.7%) from May 2023 to May 2024. The top contributors to this growth were Leisure and Hospitality; Private Education and Health Services; Construction; and Government.

Leisure and Hospitality increased by 2,300 workers (4.6%), jumping to 52,500 workers in May 2024. This growth took place primarily outside the Sioux Falls and Rapid City MSAs. While the Rapid City MSA added 100 workers over the year, the Sioux Falls MSA declined 100. Over-the-year growth is fueled by increased demand for travel, dining, and entertainment events throughout the state.

Private Education and Health Services worker levels remained strong over the year, adding 1,900 (2.5%). Health Care and Social Assistance accounted for the bulk of this growth. Health Care and Social Assistance added 1,500 workers (2.2%), reaching 70,300 workers. Hospitals had an increase of 600 workers (2.2%) over the year. The demand for workers in Health Care and Social Assistance has remained strong over the year. Growth is related to several factors, including population growth and an increase of specialized medical procedures which increase the demand for additional staff. Private Educational Services increased 400 (5.1%).

Construction continued an upward climb, adding 1,800 workers (6.3%) over the year. Specialty Trade Contractors added 700 workers (4.1%) over the year, and Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction added 600 workers (12.2%). Construction of Buildings also contributed to the growth, adding 500 workers (7.1%). Growth in construction is driven by increased demand for housing, infrastructure updates, and new commercial projects that come with population growth.

Government added 2,100 workers (2.5%) from May 2023 to May 2024. Local Government accounted for most of this growth, adding 1,500 workers. Local Government Educational Services had an increase of 400 workers (1.4%). Federal and State Government worker levels each added 300 workers over the year. As the population rises, city programs, services, and infrastructure also expand to meet the needs of the community.