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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 50,330 in November 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
November 2024
Labor Force
This data is seasonally adjusted.
Preliminary estimates show South Dakota's unemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.9% in November 2024. The labor force increased over the month by 1,200 workers (0.2%) to 486,200 workers. The level of unemployed stayed steady with 9,200 persons unemployed.
South Dakota's November 2024 labor force of 486,200 increased compared to the November 2023 level of 481,700. The level of employed increased by 5,300 (1.1%); the number of unemployed decreased by 700 persons (7.1%). The unemployment rate decreased 0.2% to 1.9%.
South Dakota Unemployment Rates by County
November 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 decreased by 2,400 (0.5%) from October 2024 to November 2024.
Leisure and Hospitality worker levels fell 4.4% with a loss of 2,200 workers. The bulk of this loss took place in the Sioux Falls and Rapid City Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). The Sioux Falls and Rapid City MSAs each had a loss of 900 workers in November 2024. Worker levels in Leisure and Hospitality typically decline this time of year as the cold weather reduces demand and visitor numbers. Establishments included in this supersector are campgrounds, golf courses, hotels, and restaurants.
Construction had a loss of 700 workers (2.2%) over the month, dropping to 31,700 workers in November 2024. Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction had the largest drop within Construction with a loss of 400 workers (6.9%). Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction includes establishments in highway concrete paving, land subdivision, gas main construction, underground cable laying, and irrigation systems construction. Construction of Buildings decreased 300 workers (3.8%) over the month, and Specialty Trade Contractors remained unchanged with 18,700 workers in November 2024. Drops in construction are common this time of year as cold weather makes outdoor work challenging.
Manufacturing declined 400 (0.9%), dropping to 43,200 workers in November 2024. Losses in Durable Goods Manufacturing accounted for this loss (400 workers). Durable Goods are not immediately consumed and can be kept for a longer time. Non-Durable Goods remained stable with 17,300 workers in November 2024. Non-Durable Goods are immediately consumed in one use or have a lifespan of less than three years.
Retail Trade gained 300 workers (0.6%), reaching 54,100 workers. The Rapid City MSA increased 300 over the month, while the Sioux Falls MSA had a loss of 100 workers. Clothing boutiques, home furnishing stores, department stores, hardware stores, supermarkets, and gasoline stations are examples of the types of establishments in this sector. Gains are common this time of year as establishments build their workforce to prepare for an increase in business during the holidays.
Over-the-year comparisons
The total nonfarm wage and salaried worker level increased by 200 workers (0.0%) from November 2023 to November 2024. This growth was the net result of a mixture of increases and decreases spread throughout the industries.
Construction rose 5.3% over the year with the addition of 1,600 workers. Specialty Trade Contractors accounted for a majority of this growth, adding 1,200 workers (6.9%). 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 200 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.
Manufacturing declined 2,100 workers (4.6%), dropping to 43,200 in November 2024. Most of this loss took place outside the Sioux Falls and Rapid City MSAs. Durable Goods Manufacturing accounted for this decline with an 8.5% drop. Durable Goods fell 2,400, dropping to 25,900 workers in November 2024. This loss is the result of small drops in worker levels spread throughout many of the establishments in this industry over the year. Examples of Durable Goods include trailers, furniture, and electronic equipment. Non-Durable Goods added 300 workers over the year, jumping to 17,300 workers. Non-Durable Goods include food and beverage products, paper products, and fuel.
Financial Activities had a loss of 1,400 workers (5.0%), dropping to 26,500 workers in November 2024. The Sioux Falls MSA had a loss of 1,500 workers over the year, and the Rapid City MSA declined 100. Credit card banks, saving institutions, portfolio fund managing, and insurance claims adjusting are examples of the types of establishments. Advances in technology and increased automation have allowed the offering of many services with fewer workers.
Government added 1,700 workers (2.0%) from November 2023 to November 2024. Local Government added 900 workers (1.7%) with Local Government Educational Services increasing 500 workers (1.7%). State Government also had over-the-year growth, adding 600 workers (3.1%). State Government Educational Services worker levels increased 100 (1.0%). Federal Government added 200 workers (1.7%). As the population rises, city programs and services also grow to meet the needs of the community.