Data Analyst in Pierre, SD

The Salary Picture: Where Pierre Stands

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking South Dakota’s professional landscape, I can tell you that Pierre’s data analyst market is a unique beast. It’s not booming like Sioux Falls, but it’s stable, tight-knit, and surprisingly well-compensated relative to the cost of living. The median salary for a Data Analyst here is $80,734/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.81/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $83,360/year, but don’t let that fool you—when you factor in Pierre’s low cost of living, that salary feels more like a six-figure income elsewhere.

The job market is small but growing. There are only 28 active Data Analyst positions in the metro area, but the 10-year job growth projection is 36%, which is robust for a capital city of its size. This growth is driven by the expanding role of data in state government, healthcare, and the financial services sector.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Pierre market:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Pierre)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$58,000 - $68,000	Often starts in state agencies or local hospitals. Strong SQL/Excel skills are a must.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$72,000 - $85,000	This is where the median sits. Requires proficiency in Python/R and data visualization tools.
Senior-Level (5-10 years)	$86,000 - $98,000	Leads projects, mentors juniors. Specializing in a sector (e.g., healthcare informatics) pays off.
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$99,000 - $115,000+	Often in leadership or highly specialized roles at the state level or major regional employers.

How Pierre Compares to Other SD Cities:

• Sioux Falls: The state's financial and healthcare hub. Salaries are slightly higher (median ~$85,000), but the housing market is more competitive. Job volume is significantly higher.
• Rapid City: Anchored by tourism and the military (Ellsworth AFB). Salaries are comparable to Pierre, but with more emphasis on tourism and supply chain analytics. Cost of living is similar.
• Aberdeen: A smaller market with lower salaries (median ~$72,000) and fewer opportunities. Better for those seeking a quiet, low-cost lifestyle.

Pierre offers a compelling middle ground: capital-city stability with a cost of living that’s hard to beat.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. Your $80,734 salary won’t feel like that much after taxes and living expenses. South Dakota has no state income tax, which is a massive financial advantage. However, you’ll still have federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare (FICA).

As of late 2023, the take-home pay for a single filer with no dependents on a $80,734 salary is approximately $62,000-$64,000 per year, or $5,167-$5,333 per month (this can vary based on 401k contributions, health insurance, etc.).

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Data Analyst in Pierre:

• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$5,250
• Average 1BR Rent: $760/month
• Utilities (Electric, Heat, Internet): $200/month (Pierre winters are cold; heating costs are real)
• Groceries: $350/month
• Car Payment/Insurance: $400/month (Essential in Pierre—public transit is limited)
• Health Insurance (Employer Portion): $150/month (varies by employer)
• Miscellaneous/Entertainment: $400/month
• Total Estimated Expenses: ~$2,260/month

This leaves a substantial surplus of ~$2,990/month for savings, retirement, student loans, or home ownership.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Pierre is around $250,000. With your surplus, you could easily save for a down payment. A 20% down payment on a $250,000 home is $50,000. At your current savings rate, you could reach that in under two years. A 30-year mortgage at a 6.5% interest rate would be roughly $1,580/month (principal and interest), which is manageable on your take-home pay. Property taxes in South Dakota are moderate, around 1.2-1.5% of the home's value annually.

Where the Jobs Are: Pierre's Major Employers

Pierre’s economy is dominated by state government, but several key sectors offer data roles. Don’t expect the volume of jobs you’d find in a major metro, but the quality and stability are high.

1. State of South Dakota Government: This is the largest employer. The Department of Health, Department of Labor & Regulation, and Department of Transportation all have dedicated data analysis teams. They handle everything from public health statistics to transportation modeling and labor market data. Hiring is often done through the state’s official careers portal and can be slow, but the benefits (pension, excellent work-life balance) are top-tier.

2. Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health System: Based in Sioux Falls but with a major regional presence in Pierre (Avera St. Mary’s Hospital). They have a growing need for healthcare data analysts to track patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and public health trends. This is a great path for analysts interested in the healthcare sector.

3. Sanford Health: Another healthcare giant with a footprint in Pierre. Similar to Avera, they invest heavily in data to improve care and manage costs. Look for roles in their “Performance Improvement” or “Clinical Informatics” departments.

4. Capital City Finance (Local Credit Unions & Banks): While not a single entity, the local financial sector (like Capital Credit Union or regional bank branches) relies on data analysts for credit risk assessment, customer analytics, and fraud detection. These roles are less advertised but can be found through networking.

5. LifeScape (formerly The Center for Disabilities): A non-profit providing services to individuals with disabilities. They use data for grant reporting, program efficacy, and operational planning. A mission-driven analyst can find meaningful work here.

6. Hiring Trends: The trend is toward hybrid and remote work. Many state agencies have adopted flexible schedules post-pandemic. However, the 28 jobs in the metro often have high applicant volume due to the limited number. Networking on platforms like LinkedIn and attending local tech meetups (like the ones occasionally hosted at the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce) is crucial.

Getting Licensed in SD

Good news: There is no state-specific license required to work as a Data Analyst in South Dakota. The field is based on skills, not formal licensure like in law or medicine.

However, to be competitive, you should consider the following:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field is the standard entry requirement. Some employers may consider equivalent experience.
• Certifications: While not mandatory, these are highly valued:
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Coursera): Excellent for beginners.
  • Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate (Power BI focus): Very relevant for many business roles.
  • Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): For mid-to-senior level analysts.
• Costs: Certification exams typically range from $100 to $300. Online courses can cost from free to several hundred dollars.
• Timeline to Get Started: If you’re starting from scratch, a dedicated 6-month bootcamp or a 4-year degree is the path. For someone transitioning from another field, a 3-6 month period of focused study and portfolio building (using public datasets on Kaggle) can make you job-ready.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Pierre is small (metro population 14,008), and commute times are negligible. Most people live within a 10-minute drive of downtown. The choice is more about lifestyle than location.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown Pierre	Historic, walkable. Close to the Capitol, restaurants, and the Missouri River. Commute is 5 minutes by car.	$850 - $1,100	Young professionals who want to be in the heart of the action.
East Pierre	Residential, quiet, family-oriented. Larger lots, more modern homes. Commute is 8-12 minutes to downtown.	$700 - $900	Those seeking a quiet, suburban feel with easy access to parks and schools.
West Pierre	Mix of older homes and new developments. Close to the airport and Highway 14. Commute is 7-10 minutes.	$650 - $850	Budget-conscious professionals and families.
The Capitol Complex Area	Extremely close to state government offices. Very quiet after hours. Fewer rental options, mostly single-family homes.	$750 - $950	State employees who want a zero-minute commute.
Lacreek (South of the River)	A small, unincorporated area just south of the river. More rural feel, but still only a 12-minute drive.	$600 - $800	Those who want more space and don’t mind a slightly longer commute.

Insider Tip: The rental market is tight. Many apartments are rented through private landlords rather than large complexes. Check local Facebook groups like “Pierre, SD Rentals” and the classifieds in the Pierre Capital Journal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Pierre’s career path is less about rapid vertical jumps and more about strategic specialization. You won’t find the sheer volume of startups or tech giants here, but the stability is unparalleled.

• Specialty Premiums: Specializing in a high-demand area can significantly boost your earning potential. For example:

  • Healthcare Data Analyst: Can command a premium of 10-15% above the general median, especially at Avera or Sanford.
  • GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Analyst: Critical for the state DOT and Department of Environment & Natural Resources. This niche skill can push you toward the senior level faster.
  • Public Policy/Economic Analyst: Working directly for the state legislature or the Governor’s office can lead to high-impact, high-visibility roles.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from a junior analyst on a team to a senior analyst, and then potentially to a Data Manager or Director of Analytics. In the state government, there are clear pay bands and promotion tracks. In healthcare, advancement often involves moving into management or specialized roles like “Clinical Informatics Manager.”

• 10-Year Outlook: The 36% job growth is a strong indicator. As data becomes even more critical for decision-making in public health, resource management (water, energy), and economic development, Pierre’s data analyst roles will become more embedded and valued. The key will be adapting to emerging tools (like AI/ML for predictive analytics) and continuing to build a local network.

The Verdict: Is Pierre Right for You?

Pierre is not for everyone. It’s a capital city with a small-town soul. Your decision should hinge on your priorities: financial freedom, work-life balance, and a quiet lifestyle, versus a bustling, fast-paced career track with endless networking opportunities.

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here.	Very Limited Job Market: Only 28 jobs exist; competition can be fierce for a small number of openings.
No State Income Tax: Immediate take-home pay boost.	Few Networking Opportunities: The tech community is small; you must be proactive.
Short Commutes: Average commute is under 10 minutes.	Isolation: It’s a 2-hour drive to Sioux Falls. Limited direct flights.
High Job Security: Dominated by government and healthcare.	Cultural Limits: Fewer concerts, museums, and diverse dining options.
Work-Life Balance: State jobs are known for great benefits and hours.	Cold Winters: Long, harsh winters can be a mental and physical challenge.

Final Recommendation:
Pierre is an excellent choice for a Data Analyst who values financial stability, a quiet lifestyle, and meaningful work in public service or healthcare. It’s ideal for early-career professionals looking to build savings, mid-career analysts seeking a better work-life balance, or anyone who prefers a close-knit community over a metropolitan grind. If you’re a data analyst who thrives on constant change and a wide array of tech events, you might feel constrained. But if you’re looking for a place where your skills are valued, your paycheck stretches, and your commute is measured in minutes, Pierre is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a data analyst job in Pierre?
Yes, the market is small, but not impenetrable. The key is patience and networking. Many positions are filled internally or through referrals. Monitor the state careers website daily and connect with local HR professionals on LinkedIn.

2. Can I work remotely for a company outside of South Dakota while living in Pierre?
Absolutely. Many analysts in Pierre do this. The low cost of living allows you to save aggressively while earning a coastal salary. Be mindful of time zones if working for a West Coast company.

3. What’s the biggest challenge for data analysts new to Pierre?
Building a professional network. Without a large local tech scene, you must create your own opportunities. Joining local business groups or volunteering for data projects with non-profits can help you meet people.

4. Are there opportunities for advancement if I want to leave government work?
Yes. The skills you gain in government (handling large public datasets, understanding regulations) are transferable. Many analysts move from state agencies to healthcare (Avera/Sanford) or regional financial institutions, or even start their own consulting firm serving local businesses.

5. What’s the best way to prepare for a move to Pierre?
Secure a job offer first. The rental market, while affordable, is competitive. Save at least 3 months of living expenses. Research the specific employers you want to target (State of SD, Avera, Sanford) and tailor your resume to their public-facing data needs. And finally, buy a good winter coat—seriously.