South Dakota Job Growth

There were 434,300 jobs in South Dakota in May 2021 according to the CES survey of employers. The CPS survey of households showed 457,137 employed persons for the month. South Dakota lost 1,900 jobs in May 2021 according to the CES survey while the broader CPS employment measure rose by 801 (Comparing CES and CPS employment numbers.). Also available is South Dakota job growth compared to other states.

South Dakota Employment Changes

The charts below shows the monthly job growth for South Dakota as measured by the CES and CPS surveys. To illustrate the trend, the 3 month moving average change in employment is shown in green.

CES Employment Change: 1 Month, Rolling 3 Month

CPS Employment Change: 1 Month, Rolling 3 Month

Total Employment in South Dakota

CES employment peaked in February 2020 for South Dakota at 442,800. Since then 8,500 jobs have been lost in South Dakota according to the employer survey. From a trough of 398,400 in April 2020, South Dakota has gained 35,900 jobs according to CES employment figures.

CPS employment in South Dakota reached a maximum of 458,060 in February 2021. 923 jobs have been lost in South Dakota since then according to the household survey. From a March 2021 low of 455,567, South Dakota has added 1,570 jobs according to the CPS survey.

Employment: CES, CPS

South Dakota Employment History