Data Analyst in Yankton, SD

The Salary Picture: Where Yankton Stands

As a local who’s watched the data scene evolve here, I can tell you that Yankton isn’t a tech hub like Sioux Falls, but it has its own quiet demand. The numbers back this up. The median salary for a Data Analyst in Yankton is $80,384/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.65/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $83,360/year, but don't let that fool you. When you factor in our low cost of living, your paycheck goes much further here than it would in a coastal city.

The job market is tight but growing. There are approximately 31 Data Analyst positions in the metro area at any given time. More importantly, the 10-Year Job Growth for this field is projected at 36%, which is significantly higher than the national average for many professions. This growth is fueled by local hospitals, agricultural tech, and the expansion of remote work, allowing Yankton-based analysts to support companies nationwide.

To give you a clearer picture of what to expect based on experience, here’s a breakdown. Remember, these are local figures; your specific offer will depend on the employer and your skill set.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Likely Employers in Yankton
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Avera Sacred Heart, Yankton School District, local credit unions
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Yankton Medical Clinic, State of SD agencies, Agri-tech startups
Senior-Level (5-10 years)	$85,000 - $105,000	Avera Health, Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health, leading regional firms
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$105,000+	Director-level roles in larger orgs, consulting for regional clients

Yankton vs. Other SD Cities

Compared to South Dakota’s larger metros, Yankton offers a unique value proposition. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s far from the most expensive.

City	Median Salary (Data Analyst)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Job Market Size
Yankton	$80,384	88.1	31 Jobs
Sioux Falls (Largest Metro)	~$85,000	94.5	200+ Jobs
Rapid City	~$82,000	95.2	80+ Jobs
Aberdeen	~$75,000	87.0	20 Jobs

Insider Tip: While Sioux Falls has more openings, the competition is fiercer. In Yankton, you’re a bigger fish in a smaller pond. A strong candidate can often negotiate a higher starting salary here relative to the local market, especially if you have niche skills in healthcare data or agricultural analytics.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. Earning the median salary of $80,384 in Yankton provides a very comfortable living. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single person, assuming a gross monthly income of $6,699 ($80,384 / 12).

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Data Analyst, Median Salary)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$6,699
Taxes (Federal, SD State, FICA)	~$1,600	Approx. 24% effective rate for this bracket
Net Monthly Income	~$5,100	Your take-home pay
Rent (1BR Average)	$734	Avera Sacred Heart/Hospital area
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	Varies by season; winters can be costly
Groceries	$400	Reasonable for a single person
Transportation (Car Payment/Gas)	$500	Essential; public transit is limited
Health Insurance	$300	If not fully covered by employer
Retirement (401k/IRA)	$500	10% of gross is a solid start
Discretionary Spending	$1,416	Dining out, entertainment, savings

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Yankton is around $250,000. With a $50,000 down payment (20%), your monthly mortgage (at ~6.5% interest) would be roughly $1,265. Compared to the average 1BR rent of $734, that’s a significant jump. However, with your discretionary budget of over $1,400, saving for a down payment is very feasible. Many local analysts buy homes within 3-5 years of moving here.

Insider Tip: The real estate market in Yankton is stable, not explosive. You’re not buying for a quick flip. You’re buying for space and stability. Neighborhoods like the Historic District or the areas near Lewis & Clark Lake offer great value.

Where the Jobs Are: Yankton's Major Employers

The Data Analyst role in Yankton is not dominated by tech startups. It’s rooted in established sectors that rely heavily on data: healthcare, agriculture, government, and education. Here are the key players:

1. Avera Sacred Heart Hospital & Yankton Medical Clinic: The healthcare sector is the largest employer. Analysts here work on patient outcome data, operational efficiency, and regulatory reporting (HIPAA). Hiring is steady, often for 1-2 positions per year. They value analysts with SQL and healthcare data experience (Epic, Cerner familiarity is a plus).

2. Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health: A growing regional provider. They need analysts to track treatment efficacy, client demographics, and funding metrics. This is a niche but impactful area.

3. Yankton School District: The district uses data for student performance tracking, budget allocation, and resource planning. Positions are often paired with IT or administrative roles. Stability is high, but salaries may be at the lower end of the spectrum.

4. State of South Dakota Agencies: Several state offices have a presence in Yankton, including departments of transportation and social services. These roles involve public sector data, often requiring a higher level of security clearance and adherence to state protocols.

5. Agricultural Technology (Ag-Tech) Firms: While smaller, companies supporting the region’s farming industry are increasingly hiring analysts for yield forecasting, supply chain logistics, and commodity pricing models. This is a growing niche.

6. Local Financial Institutions: Banks and credit unions (like First Dakota National Bank) employ analysts for credit risk, fraud detection, and customer analytics.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward hybrid roles. Many employers now seek "Data Analysts" who can also manage databases (SQL Server) and create basic dashboards (Power BI/Tableau). Remote work is common for supporting roles, but core analysts are usually on-site for collaboration.

Getting Licensed in SD

A common misconception is that Data Analysts need state licenses. They do not. South Dakota does not have a mandatory license or certification for data analysts, unlike fields like nursing or accounting.

However, to be competitive and credible, you should pursue relevant certifications. These are not state-mandated but are industry-standard.

• Key Certifications:
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate: Excellent for entry-level candidates. Cost: ~$49/month on Coursera (can complete in 3-6 months).
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: Highly valued by local healthcare and government employers. Exam cost: $165.
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist: Another popular visualization tool. Exam cost: $100.
• Timeline to Get Started: You can begin applying for entry-level jobs immediately with a strong portfolio. If you're starting from scratch, plan for 3-6 months of dedicated study to complete a foundational certificate and build a portfolio with public datasets.

State Resources: For general business registration or if you plan to freelance, you’d contact the South Dakota Secretary of State. But for employment, your focus is on skills, not licenses.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Yankton is a walkable city with distinct neighborhoods. Your choice depends on your commute tolerance and lifestyle.

1. Historic District / Downtown: The heart of the city. You’re within walking distance of cafes, the riverfront, and local shops. Commute to Avera or downtown offices is under 5 minutes. Rent for a 1BR apartment or a small house ranges from $850 - $1,200. Ideal for young professionals who want a social, walkable scene.
2. West Yankton (Near Avera Sacred Heart): The most convenient location for healthcare workers. A mix of older homes and modern apartments. Very family-friendly, quiet. Rent is close to the city average: $700 - $900 for a 1BR. Commute to any employer is under 10 minutes.
3. Lewis & Clark Recreation Area Vicinity: For those who want nature at their doorstep. This area is more suburban, with newer developments. You’ll need a car for everything. Rent is similar to West Yankton, but you get more space. A great choice for analysts who work remotely or don’t mind a 10-15 minute drive into town.
4. East Yankton / University Area: Closer to Mount Marty University. Quieter, with a mix of students and families. Rent is very affordable, often $650 - $800 for a 1BR. The commute is still easy (under 10 minutes), but fewer amenities are within walking distance.

Insider Tip: If you’re moving from a larger city, you’ll find traffic is non-existent. Your "commute" is more about the weather in winter than distance. A reliable car with all-wheel drive is a better investment than a downtown apartment if you work at Avera.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Yankton, career growth is less about jumping to a new company every two years and more about deepening your expertise within a stable organization. The 10-year job growth of 36% suggests a healthy pipeline of opportunities, but advancement often requires specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: Skills in specific domains command higher salaries.
  • Healthcare Data: Analysts with experience in Epic or Cerner EHR systems can earn 10-15% above the median.
  • SQL & Database Management: Analysts who can also write complex queries and manage data warehouses are invaluable and can push into the $90,000+ range.
  • Data Visualization (Power BI/Tableau): Being the go-to person for dashboards and reports leads to visibility and promotion.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is:
  1. Junior Data Analyst → Data Analyst (Mid-level)
  2. → Senior Data Analyst (owns key projects)
  3. → Analytics Manager or Business Intelligence Lead (manages a small team or oversees all reporting for a department).
  4. In larger orgs like Avera, you could become a Director of Analytics.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is strong. As more local businesses digitize, the demand for analysts who understand the local context—be it in agriculture, healthcare, or public service—will grow. The key is to build a reputation as someone who translates data into actionable insights for local decision-makers.

The Verdict: Is Yankton Right for You?

Yankton offers a high quality of life for Data Analysts, especially those who value stability, affordability, and a strong community over a fast-paced, high-cost urban environment.

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living – Your $80,384 salary feels like $110k+ in many cities.	Limited job variety – You’ll see the same 5-7 major employers.
Short commutes – 5-15 minutes to most jobs. No traffic stress.	Remote work limitation – While growing, most core analyst roles are on-site.
High job growth (36%) in a low-competition market.	Fewer networking events – You have to be proactive to meet other analysts.
Access to outdoor recreation – Lewis & Clark Lake is a 10-minute drive.	Cultural & dining scene is smaller than a large metro.
Friendly, stable community – Easy to build a life here.	Extreme winters – Can be isolating if you’re not prepared.

Final Recommendation: Yankton is an excellent choice for Data Analysts who are early in their careers (entry to mid-level) looking to build strong experience without high living costs, or for senior analysts seeking a slower pace of life and the ability to buy a home and start a family. It’s less ideal for those seeking a high-energy tech scene or frequent job-hopping. If you value tangible impact in your community and a work-life balance where weekends are for hiking or fishing, Yankton is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: Is a car necessary for a Data Analyst in Yankton?
A: Yes, absolutely. Public transportation is very limited. While downtown is walkable, most employers (like Avera) are spread out, and groceries and other errands require a vehicle. A reliable car is a non-negotiable part of living here.

Q: How do I find a job in Yankton before moving?
A: Start with local job boards like the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan, State of SD Careers, and LinkedIn (filtering by Yankton). Network on LinkedIn with current employees at Avera or the School District. Many local employers are open to phone/video interviews and may assist with relocation for the right candidate.

Q: What’s the tech scene like for networking?
A: It’s not a "scene" in the traditional sense. Networking happens through professional groups (like local SHRM chapters), university events at Mount Marty, and industry-specific conferences (e.g., healthcare IT). You’ll need to be more intentional about building connections. The South Dakota Technology Association has a presence, but it’s more active in Sioux Falls.

Q: Can I work remotely for a company outside South Dakota?
A: Yes, and many locals do. The city’s cost of living makes you a competitive candidate for remote roles paying national salaries. However, you’ll need to be self-motivated and have a reliable home internet connection (fiber is available in many areas). Check with the SD Department of Labor for any tax implications if you’re employed by an out-of-state company.

Q: What’s the biggest surprise for new analysts moving to Yankton?
A: The pace of life. The work is serious, but the hours are generally reasonable. People leave work at 5 PM. The biggest adjustment is often the social aspect—it’s not a city where you meet new people every day at a coffee shop. You have to join clubs, volunteer, or get involved in community events to build your circle. But once you do, you’ll find it’s incredibly welcoming.