South Dakota Lawmaker Pay Averaged $26,813 in 2026
State payments to legislators totaled $2.8 million for the 2026 fiscal year.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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South Dakota legislators received an average annual payment of $26,813 during the 2026 fiscal year. This total accounts for base salaries, travel reimbursements, and living expense allowances provided throughout the period.
Why it matters
Lawmaker compensation in South Dakota is tied to median household income, reflecting an effort to align legislative pay with state economic conditions. A committee recently endorsed a budget increase to accommodate projected salary growth for the upcoming session.
Legislators residing over 50 miles from the Pierre Capitol received $178 in daily living expenses during the 2026 session. Mileage is reimbursed at 5 cents per mile for the first trip and 70 cents per mile for subsequent travel.
The players
South Dakota Board of Finance
This state entity is responsible for setting the base salary for lawmakers based on 20% of the South Dakota median household income.
The details
The base salary of $15,970 is set by the Board of Finance at 20% of the state's median household income. The state legislature spent a total of $2.8 million on payouts for the fiscal year that ended in June 2026.
Timeline
The annual legislative session occurred from January through March 2026.
Fiscal year 2026 concluded in June 2026.
A state committee endorsed a budget increase in August 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of the current pay structure often point to the formulaic nature of the salary adjustments, arguing that legislative pay should be independent of median household income metrics. Some advocates for reform maintain that the reliance on automatic percentage-based adjustments lacks sufficient oversight compared to direct legislative action.
The projected increase to $16,492 for the upcoming base salary reflects ongoing adjustments to taxpayer-funded legislative costs. Residents should monitor these budgetary changes as they directly influence state spending priorities and overall fiscal allocations.
The takeaway
Understanding how lawmakers are compensated provides transparency into the operation of state government. Taxpayers can track these evolving expenses to ensure that legislative pay formulas remain aligned with broader fiscal realities.
Further reading
For broader trends in state governance, visit the Legislative Policy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Mighty 790 KFGO | KFGO.
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