South Dakota Minimum Wage (2026)
South Dakota’s minimum wage is $11.85 — $4.60 above the federal $7.25, effective January 1, 2026. Tipped: tipped minimum $5.93. Next change: CPI-indexed adjustment scheduled for January 1, 2027.
The minimum wage in South Dakota is $11.85/hour in 2026 (effective January 1, 2026).
- Minimum wage$11.85
- Tipped minimum$5.93
- Next scheduled changeCPI-indexed adjustment on January 1, 2027
- Full-time annual (40 hrs/wk)$24,648
Source: state labor department / U.S. DOL, verified July 2026.
Scheduled future increases
| Effective date | New rate |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2027 | CPI-indexed adjustment |
These are enacted in statute or triggered by indexing law — not proposals.
South Dakota vs. neighboring states
| State | Minimum wage | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $7.25 | −$4.60 |
| Minnesota | $11.41 | −$0.44 |
| Iowa | $7.25 | −$4.60 |
| Nebraska | $15.00 | +$3.15 |
| Wyoming | $7.25 | −$4.60 |
South Dakota minimum wage history
| Year | Rate |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $11.85 |
| 2024 | $11.20 |
| 2023 | $10.80 |
| 2022 | $9.95 |
| 2021 | $9.45 |
| 2020 | $9.30 |
| 2019 | $9.30 |
| 2018 | $8.85 |
| 2017 | $8.65 |
| 2016 | $8.55 |
| 2015 | $8.50 |
| 2014 | $7.25 |
| 2013 | $7.25 |
| 2012 | $7.25 |
| 2011 | $7.25 |
| 2010 | $7.25 |
| 2009 | $6.55 |
| 2008 | $5.85 |
| 2007 | $5.15 |
| 2006 | $5.15 |
| 2005 | $5.15 |
| 2004 | $5.15 |
| 2003 | $5.15 |
| 2002 | $5.15 |
| 2001 | $5.15 |
| 2000 | $5.15 |
Historical rates from the U.S. DOL year-by-year tables (January snapshots; mid-year changes appear in the following year’s row).
Carve-outs & details
Indexed annually since 2016 (2014 ballot measure). Tipped = 50% (DOL: cash $5.93 / credit $5.92). 2025 value ($11.50) omitted - not in fetched sources.
Frequently asked questions
What is minimum wage in South Dakota in 2026?
$11.85 per hour, effective January 1, 2026, which is $4.60 above the federal $7.25.
What is the tipped minimum wage in South Dakota?
The base cash wage for tipped workers is $5.93; tips must bring total pay to at least the full minimum, or the employer makes up the difference.
When does South Dakota's minimum wage go up next?
CPI-indexed adjustment takes effect January 1, 2027.
How much is full-time minimum wage in South Dakota per year?
At 40 hours/week for 52 weeks, $11.85/hour is $24,648 per year before taxes.
Sources & methodology
Sources: South Dakota labor department · U.S. DOL consolidated table · U.S. DOL historical tables.
Verified against the state labor agency and U.S. DOL, July 2026. Wage law has industry- and size-specific exceptions; confirm your situation with the state agency.