If we can avoid any catastrophic occurrences between now and 2028, (you know - -like a pandemic or something) South Dakota is on track to lead the nation in job growth for the next 6 years, according to a report from the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation.

The top ten occupations that are expected to grow the fastest in our state are:

  • Information Security Analysts- As cyberattacks and security hacks increase these specialists are the ones with the job of protecting businesses in all industries. This profession's growth rate in South Dakota is leading the nation at 35%. The national growth rate is 32%.
  • Metal and Plastic Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machine Tool Programmers - This profession is growing in major ways in South Dakota and is also a technology-connected occupation.

These workers develop computer programs which control the machining or processing of metal or plastic parts by automatic machine tools, equipment or systems.

 

  • Respiratory Therapists - The growth of the middle-aged and elderly population in the U.S. and in South Dakota is the reason behind the continued growth of this occupation. In fact, health-related professions fill several of the top occupational growth spots for our state.
  • Postsecondary Nursing Instructors and Teachers - As the need for health professionals grows, so does the need for the people who teach them.
  • Nurse Practitioners - Due to the rural nature of most of our state, these workers are instrumental to the health care system in our state.

Many nurse practitioners work in small towns, sometimes in remote locations. These workers are the first-line of defense in staving off everyday aliments, treating common injuries and broken bones. They are often the eyes and ears which detect more serious sicknesses and disease.

 

  • Personal Care Aides - Also called personal caregivers, this profession continues to grow by leaps and bounds as our aging population does too. Personal caregivers are often the sole reason an elderly person can remain in their own home instead of a nursing facility.
  • Physician Assistants - Much like Nurse Practitioners, this occupation is also having tremendous growth in South Dakota. They fill the gaps in service provided by physicians and surgeons who may be too busy to complete or due to a shortage of physicians.

Physician assistants provide health care services typically performed by a physician, under the supervision of a physician or a surgeon.

 

  • Applications Software Developers - This occupation continues its phenomenal growth due to the continual growth and constantly changing technology landscape. This is particularly applicable to health-related work -

the health and medical insurance and reinsurance carrier’s industry will need the innovative software these programmers write to manage new health care policy enrollments and administer existing policies digitally.

  • Post-Secondary Health Specialties Teachers - Once again the thriving healthcare industry is driving the huge need for people to train future dentists, lab and pharmacy techs, therapists, and even veterinarians.
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants - These therapists help people recover from accidents or injuries in order to return to a more normal daily living scenario. The graying of America once again is driving the need for these specialized professionals.

To see even more of the fast-growing jobs in South Dakota, just check out the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation Occupation Projection page.

Source:  South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation

Where do People In Sioux Falls Work? The Largest Employers in Sioux Falls

Where do the people of Sioux Falls work? Well, according to the numbers a nearly 50,000 of us work for one of these 24 organizations.

Healthcare and financial services dominate the list, but big retail companies, education, and government are also represented.

Here are the top employers in Sioux Falls according to Sioux Falls Development.