As someone analyzing promising career options for tech professionals nationwide, South Dakota may not initially come to mind. However, behind the scenic landscapes and Mount Rushmore selfies lies a thriving technology ecosystem hungry for talent.
This piece specifically focuses on uncovering South Dakota‘s most lucrative tech positions based on real-world salary data. We‘ll analyze growth trends fueling demand, highlight 5 of the top-paying roles by the numbers, then provide insider tips to land these high-earning jobs.
Why I‘m Focusing on South Dakota‘s Tech Sector
While still a small part of the overall state economy, South Dakota‘s technology industry has expanded steadily in recent years. Total tech business establishments grew 16% from 2018-2021 versus just 8% nationally, per CompTIA research.
With over 530 tech companies now based here, what factors make South Dakota so attractive for tech careers?
Higher Salaries – Adjusted for cost of living, South Dakota ranks 9th nationally for average tech wages. Individual contributor and management salaries run well above national benchmarks.
Rapid Growth – Backed by state funding initiatives in STEM education and emerging sectors like energy, agriculture, and healthcare, tech employment is projected to expand over 16% from 2020-2030 – nearly 3X the national growth rate.
Low Cost of Living – SD offers the 6th most tax-friendly climate in the U.S. for tech professionals. Combine with affordable housing and salaries go even further.
Advancement Potential – Compared to mature ecosystems like Silicon Valley, South Dakota provides ample room for ambitious professionals to take on leadership roles and boost pay by changing companies or industries.
Now let‘s analyze which tech jobs currently offer the highest salaries within this burgeoning state ecosystem.
Determining South Dakota‘s Top-Paying Tech Roles
The following 5 positions represent the career pinnacles for tech professionals in South Dakota based on average total cash compensation.
To compile this list, I cross-referenced salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics with high-demand tech job listings from major South Dakota employers and recruitment sites like Dice and LinkedIn.
Roles were selected based on above-average pay combined with abundant openings, promotion upside, and future growth projections. We‘ve got an insightful breakdown coming up shortly.
First, let‘s briefly explore metrics pointing to South Dakota‘s strengthening tech labor pool.
Breaking Down the Numbers
- Over 9,600 tech job openings listed last year across South Dakota [- Based on CompTIA Cyberstates 2022 research]
- Tech sector employs over 20,000 workers statewide – up 4% since 2018
- Software Developers (#1 most in-demand tech role) earn $30,000+ above the median salary here
- Salaries for Manager-level tech positions average nearly $132,000 – 19% above national benchmarks [BLS]
Current data signals a wealth of lucrative opportunities for IT professionals, developers, technical project leads, and aspiring CTOs able to skill up appropriately.
Ambitious job seekers take note – given rapid expansion in healthcare IT, agriculture technology, financial services, and manufacturing, demand will only intensify for those specializing in cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, data analytics, and full-stack development.
Now let‘s reveal South Dakota‘s 5 hottest tech roles according to pay…
South Dakota‘s 5 Highest-Paying Tech Jobs
The following jobs currently offer the highest salaries within South Dakota‘s technology sector based on average total compensation.
For each, we‘ll summarize responsibilities, qualifications sought by employers, salary ranges, plus current job openings at major South Dakota companies.
1. IT Systems Engineer
| Average Salary | $118,481 |
|---|---|
| Main Responsibilities | Design, implement and support IT infrastructure environments including networks, servers, telephony platforms. Perform installations, upgrades, security administration. |
| Top Qualifications | Bachelor‘s degree in IT, Computer Science or related discipline. 3+ years experience with Windows/Linux servers, VMware, networking protocols (TCP/IP, VoIP). Certifications like MCSE or CCNA preferred. |
| Current Openings | Systems Engineer – Citibank, Network Engineer – First Premier Bank |
As a systems engineer, you‘ll architect IT infrastructure solutions to meet technical and business requirements for organizations. Daily responsibilities range from installing server racks to troubleshooting network issues and optimizing performance.
Strong familiarity administering Windows Server, Linux, VMware virtualization and cloud platforms like AWS is preferred. Tactical certs like MCSE, CCNA or CompTIA‘s Cloud+ and Security+ also boost candidacy for lucrative roles in this specialty.
2. IT Systems Lead
| Average Salary | $147,491 |
|---|---|
| Main Responsibilities | Coordinate infrastructure projects from design through deployment. Lead teams maintaining core systems and business apps. Establish standards and procedures. |
| Top Qualifications | 5+ years managing IT infrastructure and systems integration initiatives. Expertise with Windows/Linux servers, VMware, Cisco networking. Leadership and communication abilities. |
| Current Openings | Systems Lead – Avera Health, Sr. Systems Analyst – Citibank |
IT Systems Leads architect and implement technology solutions supporting critical enterprise infrastructure and applications. You would manage complex migration projects and lead teams maintaining platforms day-to-day. Exceptional communication skills and leadership talents required.
Success translates into senior systems architect, infrastructure manager or IT director roles paying over $175K here. Cultivate vendor partnerships (Cisco, Nutanix, Pure Storage, etc.) and niche skills (containers, CI/CD automation) to progress long-term.
3. IT Support Team Lead
| Average Salary | $155,128 |
|---|---|
| Main Responsibilities | Coordinate help desk groups assisting end users and maintaining operations across devices, computers, peripherals. Identify improvements, compile reports. |
| Top Qualifications | 5+ years managing help desk teams. Expert troubleshooter across OS platforms, SaaS apps, hardware. Strong CX and documentation abilities. |
| Current Openings | Support Manager – MetaBank, Service Desk Manager – First Premier Bank |
In this first line manager role, you‘ll lead a team of support technicians handling device issues, system updates, monitoring and documentation. Requires balancing operational responsibilities with people management skills.
Success here can set you up for director positions in IT support, customer success or client services paying up to $220K. Round out technical abilities with CX, process improvement and staff coaching talents demanded by South Dakota employers.
4. IT Support Lead
| Average Salary | $160,346 |
|---|---|
| Main Responsibilities | Manage team handling help desk, quality assurance, documentation for customers/users. Serve as escalation point resolving complex issues. |
| Top Qualifications | 5+ years help desk experience. Expertise with enterprise OS, apps, networking protocols & hardware. Strong diagnostic, documentation, communication abilities. |
| Current Openings | Enterprise Support Lead – Daktronics, Client Support Lead – MetaBank |
In this client-facing specialty, you‘ll oversee a team providing frontline IT support while coordinating with other groups like operations, security and app developers. Requires outstanding customer service aptitude and ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.
Utilize your technical expertise and client management skills to progress toward director of IT service delivery or customer success roles earning $200K+ with major South Dakota companies.
5. Director of IT Applications
| Average Salary | $202,852 |
|---|---|
| Main Responsibilities | Coordinate development, testing, documentation and support for custom applications. Lead application infrastructure strategy aligning with business objectives. |
| Top Qualifications | 10+ years overseeing enterprise software projects/budgets. Expertise with SDLC processes and project management. Vision to guide development aligning with company‘s tech roadmap. |
| Current Openings | Chief Technology Officer – Sencore, Lead App Developer – First Premier Bank |
As technology leader, you‘ll drive enterprise application development coordinating initiatives across planning, programming, testing, documentation, security and production monitoring. Requires both strategic vision and mastery of software methodologies.
This apex IT role provides a springboard toward Chief Digital/Technology Officer positions at major South Dakota companies topping $275K in total compensation.
Getting Hired for Lucrative Tech Jobs
Now that you‘ve seen the ample opportunities within South Dakota‘s tech ecosystem, here is insider guidance for landing one of these rewarding and well-compensated jobs.
For Entry-Level Job Seekers
- Pursue internships or apprenticeships with IT departments during college – they often convert into full-time roles
- Obtain foundational certs like CompTIA‘s A+ and Network+ to validate essential infrastructure skills
- Highlight soft skills like communication, collaboration and emotional intelligence during interviews
For Mid-Career Professionals
- Specialize in high-demand disciplines like cybersecurity, cloud architecture, data science or full-stack development
- Cultivate leadership abilities through roles like project lead, team lead or manager to propel 6-figure salaries
- Attend niche tech Meetups, conferences and trade shows to continuously expand your competencies
For Directors and Executive Candidates
- Leverage extensive technology program management experience to pivot into director and C-level searches
- Emphasize successes aligning IT with disputed business outcomes delivered through application development initiatives
- Seek executive mentorships allowing shadowing of incumbent leadership to ramp up strategically
The door is wide open for tech experts entering leadership ranks within South Dakota. Distinguish yourself by pursuing in-demand specialties then integrate soft skills crucial for managing up to executives as your career advances.
I hope this guidance provides ample motivation and insights toward capitalizing on South Dakota‘s lucrative tech trajectory! Please reach out with any questions.
