To become a paralegal in South Dakota, you must meet one of seven qualifications outlined in Supreme Court Rule 97-25, including earning an ABA-approved degree, obtaining national certification (CLA/CP), or completing in-house training. South Dakota paralegals work under attorney supervision and earned an average salary of $59,790 in 2024.
If a career as a paralegal in South Dakota is in your sights, 
you’ll enjoy professional opportunities with regional law firms like Boyce Law Firm, L.L.P. and Ballard Spahr LLP in Sioux Falls, corporate players like Sanford Health, Monument Health, and Daktronics, and governmental agencies like the South Dakota Department of Transportation and the South Dakota Department of Social Services.
With some of the lowest business costs in the country coupled with strong finance, healthcare, and governmental sectors, South Dakota has remained a big national player for business. This translates into a strong legal services industry and an equally strong paralegal profession.
Becoming part of the exciting paralegal profession involves first learning how to become a paralegal in South Dakota and understanding the education and credentials that today’s employers demand. In South Dakota, Supreme Court Rule 5.3 directs that paralegals must work under the direct supervision of an attorney who also accepts responsibility for their professional conduct.
Education Requirements for South Dakota Paralegals
South Dakota’s Supreme Court Rule 97-25 sets minimum qualifications for those wishing to work as a legal assistant or paralegal. The body of knowledge required to effectively perform legal support services can only come from a formal education in paralegal studies. As attorneys, corporations, and government agencies work within an increasingly complex legal framework, the level of responsibility they expect paralegals to be able to take on has also increased.
South Dakota offers seven distinct pathways to enter the paralegal profession. Those qualifications are:
- National certification through the National Association of Legal Assistants, Inc., as a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP)
- Completion of an ABA-approved program in paralegal studies
- Completion of coursework in paralegal studies at an accredited but not ABA-approved educational institution that is the equivalent of sixty semester hours of classroom study
- Completion of a course of study for paralegals, other than those described above, and a minimum of six months of in-house paralegal training
- A bachelor’s degree in any subject, and a minimum of six months of in-house paralegal training
- At least three years of law-related experience under the supervision of a licensed attorney, including a minimum of six months of in-house paralegal training
- A high school diploma and two years of in-house training as a paralegal
Although the South Dakota Supreme Court’s definition allows paralegals to enter the profession through in-house training, increasing numbers of aspiring paralegals are choosing education as an entry point into a career. Earning a certificate or degree can help job candidates stand out from the competition. Education can also qualify a paralegal to take a national certification exam. Employers and the national professional associations offering certification exams may require that candidates have completed coursework at an ABA-approved or accredited institution.
Certificate vs. Degree Programs
Aspiring paralegals may earn certificates or degrees in paralegal studies. Currently, there are associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs available in paralegal studies. Degree programs offer a mix of specialized coursework in paralegal studies and general education classes.
Certificate programs are educational programs that don’t grant degrees but offer shorter, focused programs in paralegal studies. Upon completion of such a program, graduates receive certificates of completion and are then considered certificated paralegals (meaning they’ve completed a certificate program, as distinct from certified paralegals who’ve passed a national exam). Some certificate programs are open to anyone with a high school degree or equivalent. Others require that applicants have previously earned a bachelor’s degree in any subject. These programs are called post-baccalaureate certificate programs.
Certification & Credentials
Although the terms are similar, certificated paralegals are not the same as certified paralegals. Certified paralegals have earned a credential from a national paralegal association by successfully completing a national certification exam. Requirements for the national exams differ between the three national paralegal organizations.
Currently, there are four exams from which to choose. In South Dakota, most paralegals who choose to become nationally certified take NALA’s CLA/CP exam as it’s specifically recognized in Rule 97-25.
- The PACE offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- The PCC is also offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- The CLA/CP offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- The PP offered by the Association for Legal Professionals (NALS)
Paralegal Programs in South Dakota
Law offices and other employers in South Dakota have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that can only come from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies. You’ve spent countless hours envisioning yourself working alongside the brightest legal minds, interviewing crucial witnesses, gathering explosive evidence, and sorting through sensitive data in preparation for major trials. But first, you’ll need to get yourself into the best paralegal program in South Dakota.
In South Dakota, there aren’t too many schools that check every critical box when it comes to paralegal education, but the good news i,s there are plenty of online options that do. Today’s online schools get students amped to learn by offering a dynamic delivery format and curriculum options with focus areas in specific legal specializations.
National American University – Rapid City/Sioux Falls
BS – Paralegal Studies — Online
BS – Professional Legal Studies — Online
AAS – Paralegal Studies — Online
AAS – Professional Legal Studies — Online
Sinte Gleska University
Bachelor’s Degree in Business with a Legal Studies Minor — Campus
Salary & Job Outlook for South Dakota Paralegals
South Dakota’s diverse and robust economy translates into a strong legal services industry and equally strong paralegal profession. From healthcare giants like Sanford Health in Sioux Falls and Monument Health in Rapid City to Ellsworth Air Force Base, the second largest employer in the state, South Dakota offers excellent career opportunities for paralegals. Compared to paralegal salaries nationwide, South Dakota offers competitive compensation with strong growth prospects.
Statewide Salary Overview
As of May 2024, the average paralegal salary in South Dakota was $59,790, or $28.74 per hour. With extensive experience, particularly in an area like consumer law, family law, litigation, or bankruptcy law, you can expect a salary that reflects the profession’s top 10% in the state, which started at $84,150, or $40.46 per hour, during this time.
| Salary Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry-Level) | $47,020 | $22.61 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,420 | $23.28 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $57,300 | $27.55 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,650 | $30.60 |
| 90th Percentile (Experienced) | $84,150 | $40.46 |
| Mean (Average) | $59,790 | $28.74 |
Salary by Location
Unlike many states, the rural areas of South Dakota offered some of the highest average salaries for paralegals. When it comes to top 10% salaries, the rural eastern portion of the state led the way, though Sioux Falls came close to matching these figures.
| Location | Employment | Mean Salary | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| East South Dakota (Rural) | 120 | $62,730 ($30.16/hr) | $92,050 ($44.25/hr) |
| Sioux Falls | 310 | $59,770 ($28.74/hr) | $89,140 ($42.85/hr) |
| West South Dakota (Rural) | 90 | $59,910 ($28.80/hr) | $69,950 ($33.63/hr) |
| Rapid City | 130 | $57,110 ($27.46/hr) | $76,830 ($36.94/hr) |
Job Growth & Employment Outlook
South Dakota’s paralegal profession is projected to experience strong growth between 2022 and 2032. With a 9.6% growth rate, South Dakota outpaces many other states in paralegal job creation.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Year Employment (2022) | 520 paralegals |
| Projected Employment (2032) | 570 paralegals |
| Job Growth | +50 positions |
| Percent Change | +9.6% |
| Average Annual Openings | 60 positions/year |
Top Industries for Paralegal Salaries
The industries that typically offer the highest average paralegal salaries in South Dakota include:
- Pharmaceuticals, especially agriculture and livestock in South Dakota
- Aerospace — These companies are primarily concentrated in the Sioux Falls and Rapid City areas
- Computer and electronic component manufacturing — These companies are primarily located in the state’s largest cities, including Yankton
- Law firms and government agencies are the largest employers of paralegals throughout the state
Professional Associations
South Dakota Paralegal Association (SDPA)
The South Dakota Paralegal Association (SDPA) represents paralegals throughout the state. Members may attend monthly meetings throughout the state in one of five regions: Aberdeen, Black Hills, Pierre, Sioux Falls, or Watertown. As an affiliate of NALA, the SDPA works towards upholding NALA’s goals within the state of South Dakota, including cooperation and networking with state bar associations and others within the legal field, maintaining high standards of ethics and professionalism, and encouraging educational goals among its members. The SDPA encourages its members to earn their CLA/CP and offers scholarships to members to help with this goal.
The SDPA offers these levels of membership:
- Active Member – Open to those with a high school diploma/GED who meet one of the following:
- Passed NALA’s Certified Legal Assistant (CLA)/Certified Paralegal (CP) exam
- Graduate of an ABA-approved paralegal program
- Graduate of an institutionally-accredited paralegal school with 60 semester credits of classroom study
- Graduate of a paralegal program, plus six months of in-house paralegal training
- Bachelor’s degree in any field plus six months of in-house paralegal training
- Three years of law-related experience under an attorney’s supervision, including at least six months of in-house paralegal training
- Two years of in-house paralegal training
- Associate Member – Open to anyone who endorses the paralegal concept and meets one of the following:
- State Bar of South Dakota membership
- Member of the paralegal education field
- Member of the law office management field
- Anyone who has previously qualified for Active Membership, but who is currently not employed as a paralegal
- Sustaining Member – Open to any entity that supports the paralegal concept
- Student Member – Open to any student enrolled in a paralegal program who has completed at least half of the courses required to graduate
Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association (RMPA)
The Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association (RMPA) is a National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) affiliate with four membership levels:
- Voting Member – Must be an employed paralegal
- Associate Member – Open to individuals who support the RMPA
- Sustaining Member – Open to firms, organizations, and businesses that support the RMPA
- Student Member – Open to students enrolled in a paralegal program
Black Hills Legal Professionals Association (BHLPA)
The Black Hills Legal Professionals Association (BHLPA) is an affiliate of NALS. The BHLPA encourages NALS paralegal certifications and promotes these levels of NALS membership:
- Individual – Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature
- Associate – Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature, such as educators, judges, and attorneys
- Students – Open to students taking at least nine semester credits from a legal-related program offered by an accredited school
- Retired – Open to those who have been a NALS-affiliated member for at least five years prior to retirement
- Life – Open to qualified individual members
- International – Open to those engaged in work of a legal nature who reside outside the US
Top Employers for South Dakota Paralegals
Law Firms
Veteran and entry-level paralegals often find large law firms to be the top employers of paralegals. Rural states like South Dakota tend to have concentrations of jobs in their larger cities. In South Dakota, Sioux Falls and Rapid City are home to large law firms that include:
- Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP
- Bangs McCullen Law Firm
- Vogel Law Firm
- Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP
- Pesall Law Firm
- Siegel, Barnett & Schutz, L.L.P.
- Janklow Abdallah Law Firm
- Cutler Law Firm
Corporations
South Dakota’s corporate sector offers excellent opportunities for in-house paralegal positions:
- Sanford Health (Sioux Falls)
- Monument Health (Rapid City)
- Daktronics
- Ellsworth Air Force Base
Government Agencies
State and local government agencies regularly employ paralegals:
- South Dakota Department of Transportation
- South Dakota Department of Social Services
- Minnehaha County Public Defender’s Office
- South Dakota Attorney General’s Office
- Pennington County State’s Attorney General’s Office
Important Contacts for South Dakota Paralegals
- South Dakota Paralegal Association (SDPA), affiliated with NALA
- State Bar of South Dakota
- South Dakota Secretary of State
- South Dakota Unified Judicial System
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum qualifications to become a paralegal in South Dakota?
South Dakota’s Supreme Court Rule 97-25 outlines seven pathways to become a paralegal, including earning national certification (CLA/CP), completing an ABA-approved program, earning 60 semester hours in paralegal studies, completing a paralegal program with six months of in-house training, holding a bachelor’s degree with six months of training, having three years of law-related experience with six months of training, or holding a high school diploma with two years of in-house training.
Do I need national certification to work as a paralegal in South Dakota?
National certification isn’t required, but earning the CLA/CP credential through NALA is specifically recognized in South Dakota’s Rule 97-25 as meeting the minimum qualifications. Note that “certified paralegals” (who passed a national exam) are different from “certificated paralegals” (who completed an educational program). Many South Dakota paralegals choose to earn national certification to demonstrate their expertise and meet employer preferences.
Are there ABA-approved paralegal programs in South Dakota?
While South Dakota has limited on-campus paralegal programs, many residents pursue ABA-approved online programs from accredited institutions nationwide. National American University offers online paralegal programs, and numerous other institutions provide distance education options that meet South Dakota’s educational requirements.
What’s the average paralegal salary in South Dakota?
As of May 2024, paralegals in South Dakota earned an average salary of $59,790 per year, or $28.74 per hour. Entry-level paralegals typically earn around $47,020 annually, while experienced paralegals in the top 10% can earn $84,150 or more. Salaries vary by location, with rural eastern South Dakota offering the highest average compensation at $62,730.
Which areas of South Dakota pay paralegals the most?
Rural eastern South Dakota offers the highest average paralegal salaries at $62,730 per year, with top earners making $92,050. Sioux Falls follows closely with an average of $59,770 and top salaries reaching $89,140. Western rural areas average $59,910, while Rapid City averages $57,110 annually.
What’s the job outlook for paralegals in South Dakota?
South Dakota’s paralegal profession is projected to grow 9.6% between 2022 and 2032, adding approximately 50 new positions. The state expects an average of 60 annual job openings for paralegals, making it a promising career field with strong growth prospects compared to many other states.
Can I join a paralegal association in South Dakota before I’m certified?
Yes, all three major paralegal associations in South Dakota offer student memberships. The South Dakota Paralegal Association (SDPA), Rocky Mountain Paralegal Association (RMPA), and Black Hills Legal Professionals Association (BHLPA) welcome students who are currently enrolled in paralegal programs and have completed at least half of their required courses.
Key Takeaways
- South Dakota offers seven pathways to enter the paralegal profession, with national certification through NALA’s CLA/CP exam specifically recognized in state regulations
- Paralegals in South Dakota earned an average salary of $59,790 in 2024, with experienced professionals earning up to $84,150 or more
- Rural eastern South Dakota offers the highest average paralegal compensation at $62,730, while Sioux Falls provides the most job opportunities with 310 employed paralegals
- The state’s paralegal profession is projected to grow 9.6% through 2032, creating approximately 60 annual job openings
- Three professional associations serve South Dakota paralegals: SDPA (NALA affiliate), RMPA (NFPA affiliate), and BHLPA (NALS affiliate), each offering networking and certification support
- Major employers include law firms in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, healthcare corporations like Sanford Health and Monument Health, and state government agencies
Ready to Start Your Paralegal Career in South Dakota?
Explore accredited paralegal programs and take the first step toward joining South Dakota’s growing legal profession.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Paralegals and Legal Assistants reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2025.
