South Dakota is home to a diverse range of industries, from energy and healthcare to manufacturing and technology. For graduates looking to launch their careers, the state offers unique opportunities to build professional skills and unlock long-term career potential.
This guide highlights South Dakota’s standout employers using CareerDNA data, ranking them by career growth scores, which reflect their ability to shape professional futures, and two-year retention rates, which highlight workplace satisfaction and stability.
Career-Boosting Employers in South Dakota
- Black Hills Energy
- Career Growth Score: 9.93 (highest in South Dakota)
- Two-Year Probability: 55.88%
Black Hills Energy, a leader in utilities and energy, provides graduates with opportunities in engineering, environmental management, and operations, supporting long-term professional development.
- Raven Industries
- Career Growth Score: 8.67
- Two-Year Probability: 48.61%
A key player in precision agriculture and engineering, Raven Industries offers graduates roles in innovation, manufacturing, and sustainability-focused projects.
- Terex Corporation
- Career Growth Score: 7.21
- Two-Year Probability: 51.77%
Known for its construction and industrial equipment, Terex provides graduates with career paths in engineering, production, and operations management.
- Avera Health
- Career Growth Score: 7.12
- Two-Year Probability: 42.53%
Avera Health is a leading healthcare provider in South Dakota, offering graduates opportunities in clinical care, healthcare management, and patient services.
- Sanford Health
- Career Growth Score: 6.68
- Two-Year Probability: 38.64%
Sanford Health provides graduates with roles in healthcare administration, research, and clinical care, fostering skill development in the medical field.
- South Dakota State University
- Career Growth Score: 5.08
- Two-Year Probability: 30.00%
South Dakota State University offers graduates career opportunities in education, research, and academic administration, making it a solid choice for those pursuing academic careers.
- First Premier Bank
- Career Growth Score: 4.81
- Two-Year Probability: 47.18%
First Premier Bank offers graduates roles in banking, customer relations, and financial services, supporting professional growth in the finance sector.
- Daktronics
- Career Growth Score: 4.29
- Two-Year Probability: 38.55%
A leader in electronic display systems, Daktronics provides graduates with opportunities in engineering, product development, and corporate operations.
Explore salary benchmarks, career progression opportunities, and jobs tailored to your career goals—all for free at yourcareerdna.com.