Financial Analyst in Huron, SD

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the professional landscape of eastern South Dakota, I can tell you that Huron is a unique market for Financial Analysts. It’s not a Wall Street feeder, but a stable, community-focused economy where your skills are valued, your rent is manageable, and your work-life balance is real. This guide is built on local data, conversations with professionals in the area, and a clear-eyed view of the pros and cons. Let’s get into the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the reality of building a financial career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Huron Stands

The key to understanding compensation in Huron is recognizing its niche. While the national average for Financial Analysts sits at $99,010/year, Huron’s median salary of $95,891/year is remarkably competitive for a metro area of just 14,347 people. The hourly rate is $46.1/hour. This reflects a market that has seen a solid 9% job growth over the last decade—driven by agriculture, healthcare, and the need for fiscal oversight in both public and private institutions.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Huron area. Note that this is a localized estimate based on the provided median and industry trends.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$72,000 - $85,000	$34.6 - $40.9
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$88,000 - $105,000	$42.3 - $50.5
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$110,000 - $130,000	$52.9 - $62.5
Expert/Lead (15+ yrs)	$135,000+	$64.9+

How does Huron compare to other South Dakota cities? It’s a strong mid-tier performer. Sioux Falls, the state’s economic engine, has a higher median salary (around $105,000) and more jobs (over 200 listed), but also a higher cost of living. Rapid City offers similar salaries but with a tourism and defense economy. Aberdeen, a peer city in size and economic base, has slightly lower median salaries but a similar cost of living. Huron’s sweet spot is its combination of competitive pay and a low cost of living, all within a tight-knit community where you’re known by your first name.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground the $95,891 figure in reality. Using a simplified tax estimate (federal, state, and FICA) for a single filer with no dependents, your take-home pay would be approximately $74,600 annually, or about $6,217/month.

Now, let’s factor in the local cost of living. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $760/month. The Cost of Living Index is 89.5 (US average = 100), meaning everything from groceries to transportation is about 10.5% cheaper than the national average.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax Salary: $95,891; Post-Tax Take-Home: ~$6,217)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apt)	$760	You can find quality housing well under this.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$220	Varies by season; winters can be harsh.
Groceries	$400	Competitive pricing with local stores like Hy-Vee and local butchers.
Car Payment & Insurance	$600	A car is a necessity; insurance rates are low.
Health Insurance (Employer Share)	$150	Highly variable; this is an estimate for a single plan.
Savings/Retirement (20%)	$1,243	Critical for long-term growth.
Remaining (Discretionary)	$1,844	For dining, entertainment, travel, etc.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Huron County is around $220,000. With the remaining $1,844 in your monthly budget, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $220,000 home would be roughly $1,200-$1,400/month. This is well within reach for a mid-career analyst, making homeownership a realistic and attractive goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Huron's Major Employers

The job market here is not about skyscrapers; it’s about institutions that anchor the community. There are 28 jobs for Financial Analysts in the metro area at any given time, and they’re concentrated in a few key sectors.

1. Avera St. Luke’s Hospital: As a major regional medical center, Avera St. Luke’s has a large financial department. They hire analysts for budgeting, revenue cycle management, and grant reporting. They are consistently looking for professionals with healthcare finance experience.
2. South Dakota Department of Health (Huron Office): State government roles offer stability and excellent benefits. Analysts here work on public health budgets, federal grant management, and program cost analysis.
3. Huron School District: Public school districts require detailed financial analysts for bond management, state/federal funding compliance, and long-term capital planning. It’s a niche but steady employer.
4. Dakota Growers Pasta Co. / Local Ag-Business: While the pasta plant has a corporate structure, the local agricultural economy (co-ops, grain elevators, equipment dealers) needs analysts for commodity risk management, forecasting, and operational budgeting.
5. First National Bank & Huron Trust Company: As the primary local banks, their commercial lending and trust departments rely on analysts for credit analysis, portfolio management, and personal financial planning.
6. City of Huron Government: The city’s finance department manages municipal budgets, utility accounts, and capital improvement projects. This is a prime entry point for those interested in public finance.
7. South Dakota State University (Bee Lab & Ag Research): The university’s research stations in the area often have grant-funded projects requiring financial oversight and reporting.

Insider Tip: The best-paying analyst jobs are often found in the hospital and state government sectors due to their structured pay scales and benefits. The local banks offer a more traditional path into personal wealth management. Networking isn’t done at conferences; it’s done at the Huron Event Center for a community fundraiser or over coffee at The Main Street Cafe.

Getting Licensed in SD

For most Financial Analyst positions, you won’t need a state-specific license like a CPA (for accounting) or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) unless you’re in investment advising. However, the CFA designation is highly respected and can lead to higher salaries.

• State Requirements: South Dakota does not have a state-specific licensure for financial analysts. The primary regulators are the South Dakota Division of Banking for institutions and the South Dakota Division of Insurance for insurance-based products.
• Key Certifications:
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): Offered by the CFA Institute. It’s a self-study program with three exam levels. Total cost (exams, study materials) is $3,000 - $5,000. The timeline is 2-4 years.
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP): Required for providing personal financial advice. Requires coursework, a bachelor’s degree, exam, and experience. Cost: $2,000 - $3,500. Timeline: 1-2 years.
• Getting Started: You can begin the CFA or CFP process immediately. The nearest test center for the CFA is in Sioux Falls (3 hours away), so plan for travel. For state-specific questions, contact the South Dakota Division of Banking (605-773-3421) or the South Dakota Division of Insurance (605-773-3563).

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Huron is easy to navigate, but neighborhoods have distinct vibes. A car is essential.

1. Central/East Side (Downtown Adjacent): Close to banks, government buildings, and Avera St. Luke’s. Offers a mix of older character homes and some updated apartments. Rent for a 1BR: $650 - $850. Best for short commutes (<5 min) and walkability to restaurants and the park.
2. Northwest (Boulevard Area): Primarily residential with newer housing stock from the 1990s onward. Quieter, family-oriented, and close to the school district offices and retail. Commute is 5-10 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $700 - $900.
3. South Side (Near the Fairgrounds): More suburban, with larger lots and newer developments. This is where many professionals and families settle. It’s a 10-minute drive to downtown. Rent for a 1BR: $750 - $950.
4. West Side: Established, affordable neighborhoods with classic South Dakota homes. Closer to the industrial and commercial corridors, but still a safe, quiet area. A 10-minute commute. Rent for a 1BR: $600 - $800.

Insider Tip: Don’t underestimate the value of living close to your work. In a small city, the time and stress saved on a short commute is a significant quality-of-life upgrade, especially during harsh South Dakota winters.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Career growth in Huron is less about rapid title changes and more about deepening expertise and taking on broader responsibility. The 10-year job growth is a solid 9%, which, for a small metro, indicates stability and gradual opportunity.

• Specialty Premiums: You’ll earn more by specializing in:
  • Healthcare Finance: Expertise in reimbursement models (Medicare/Medicaid) and regulatory compliance is in high demand at Avera St. Luke’s.
  • Government & Non-Profit Accounting: Knowledge of grant management (e.g., federal, state) and public sector budgeting is a key skill for city, school, and hospital jobs.
  • Agricultural Finance: Understanding commodity markets and operational financing for agribusinesses is a unique and valuable niche.
• Advancement Paths: A typical path might be: Junior Analyst at a local bank or government office -> Senior Analyst specializing in a sector -> Finance Manager (overseeing a department) -> Director of Finance (for a hospital, school district, or large employer). The jump from analyst to manager often comes with a salary increase of 20-30%.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable to positive. The core industries—healthcare, agriculture, and government—are not going anywhere. Growth will be tied to regional economic health. The key to advancement will be a combination of technical skill, local networking, and a willingness to take on project leadership.

The Verdict: Is Huron Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes farther. Homeownership is accessible.	Limited Job Market: Only 28 jobs in the metro means fewer opportunities to jump.
Competitive Salary: $95,891 median is strong for the region and COL.	Geographic Isolation: The nearest major city (Sioux Falls) is a 3-hour drive.
Strong Community & Work-Life Balance: Less traffic, more personal connections.	Weather: Winters are long, cold, and snowy.
Stable Employers: Hospitals, government, and banks offer job security.	Limited Niche Specialization: You may need to build a hybrid skill set.
9% Job Growth: Indicates a stable, not stagnant, market.	Cultural/Social Scene: Limited compared to a large metro area.

Final Recommendation: Huron is an excellent choice for Financial Analysts who prioritize quality of life, financial stability, and community over the frenetic pace of a major financial hub. It’s ideal for those who are self-starters, comfortable in a smaller community, and interested in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, or public finance. If you’re seeking anonymity, constant job-hopping, and a high-energy social scene, Huron will feel too small. But if you want to build a life where your work is valued, your dollar stretches further, and you can own a home on a analyst’s salary, Huron is a pragmatic and rewarding place to build your career.

FAQs

1. Is a car absolutely necessary in Huron?
Yes. While the east side of downtown is somewhat walkable, the city is spread out. Most employers, including the hospital and banks, are not in a centralized, pedestrian-friendly core. Public transportation is minimal. A reliable vehicle is essential.

2. How do I find a job in Huron before moving?
Start with the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation job board. Check the Avera St. Luke’s careers page and City of Huron website directly. For school and state jobs, use the South Dakota State government job portal. Networking is key—reach out to professionals on LinkedIn with a respectful, region-specific inquiry.

3. What’s the social scene like for a young professional?
It’s community-focused. There are no nightclubs, but there’s an active bar scene (try the local pubs and the Huron Event Center for concerts). The community revolves around events at the Dakota State Fairgrounds, sports (especially high school and college-level), and outdoor activities (hunting, fishing, lakes). It’s about building a network through shared interests.

4. Will my skills become obsolete?
Not if you continuously adapt. The core analytical skills (financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting) are universal. The key is applying them to local industries. Take an online course in healthcare revenue cycle management or agricultural economics. This makes you indispensable in the local market.

5. What’s the biggest surprise for newcomers?
The sense of community and the sheer friendliness of people. It’s common to have a casual conversation with a stranger at the grocery store. For professionals used to urban anonymity, this can be a jarring but welcome change. It also means your professional reputation matters immensely—word travels fast.