Get Paid To Move To South Dakota: A Complete 2025 Guide

Are you tired of crowded cities, high living costs, or long commutes? Imagine being paid to relocate to a beautiful state with wide-open spaces, low crime rates, and a strong sense of community. Sounds too good to be true? Not in South Dakota. If you’re looking to start fresh, launch a remote career, or find a quiet place to raise a family, you might want to consider the incentives available for those who move to this underrated Midwestern gem.

In this guide, we’ll explore how you can get paid to move to South Dakota, what programs exist, how much money you can expect, who’s eligible, and how to apply step-by-step.

Why South Dakota?

South Dakota offers a high quality of life and plenty of economic opportunities. The state has no personal income tax, a low unemployment rate, affordable housing, and a lower-than-average cost of living. From the scenic Black Hills and Badlands to the growing cities of Sioux Falls and Rapid City, South Dakota blends nature with progress.

Some of the top reasons people are moving to South Dakota include:

• Tax-Friendly Policies: No state income tax.
• Affordable Housing: The median home price is well below the national average.
• Remote Work Friendly: Great broadband access for digital nomads.
• Safe Communities: Low crime rate compared to other states.
• Economic Growth: Job growth in healthcare, tech, finance, and agriculture.

Does South Dakota Pay You to Move There?

Yes, there are programs and incentives designed to attract new residents to South Dakota, especially skilled workers. While the state itself doesn’t offer a general cash relocation grant for all movers, certain cities and industries offer financial support to those who qualify.

Here are the top programs and opportunities:

1. Dakota Roots Program

Dakota Roots is one of South Dakota’s most well-known relocation programs. It’s designed to help former residents, recent graduates, or anyone interested in moving to South Dakota find job opportunities.

How It Works:

• It’s a free job-matching service sponsored by the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation.
• Participants are matched with employers based on skills, preferences, and location.
• While it doesn’t directly offer cash to move, the real benefit comes through career assistance and access to well-paying jobs in the state.

Ideal for:

• Remote workers looking to relocate.
• Skilled professionals in healthcare, IT, construction, and manufacturing.

2. South Dakota Rural Healthcare Incentive Program

If you’re a healthcare professional, South Dakota will pay you to work in a rural area through this incentive program.

What’s Offered:

• Physicians can receive up to $100,000 in incentive payments.
• Nurses, dentists, and other healthcare providers may also qualify for financial support.
• You must commit to working in an eligible rural community for at least three years.

Eligibility:

• Must be licensed in South Dakota.
• Must practice in an approved location with workforce shortages.

Great for:

• Medical school graduates.
• Physicians or nurses seeking loan repayment.
• Professionals looking for rural healthcare experience.

3. South Dakota Housing and Economic Development Grants

While not direct “get paid to move” programs, several economic development organizations in South Dakota offer relocation assistance in the form of:

• Down payment assistance for homebuyers.
• Employer relocation packages for workers.
• Housing grants or low-interest loans in rural areas.

Check with:

• South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA)
• Local economic development offices in cities like Brookings, Aberdeen, or Watertown.

4. Employer-Sponsored Relocation Bonuses

South Dakota businesses — especially in healthcare, IT, engineering, and skilled trades — are experiencing worker shortages. Many offer sign-on bonuses, relocation stipends, and remote job opportunities with flexible work arrangements.

Examples:

• Hospitals offering $10,000+ sign-on bonuses for nurses.
• Manufacturing firms paying $2,000–$5,000 relocation packages for skilled workers.
• Remote employers that allow workers to move to tax-free South Dakota while keeping their jobs.

5. Scholarships and Student Relocation Support

If you’re a recent college graduate or looking to attend school in South Dakota, programs like the Build Dakota Scholarship Fund offer full-ride scholarships to attend technical schools, in return for living and working in the state after graduation.

Some local colleges even offer housing incentives or partner with industries to place graduates in paid relocation positions.

6. Veterans Moving Incentives

South Dakota is a veteran-friendly state with no taxes on military retirement pay. Several local veteran support groups assist former military members with:

• Relocation assistance.
• Career transition support.
• Home purchase help through VA programs.

If you’re a veteran planning to retire or transition into civilian work, South Dakota offers both financial advantages and a welcoming community.

Where to Move in South Dakota: Top Cities and Towns Offering Benefits

1. Sioux Falls

South Dakota’s largest city, Sioux Falls, is booming with growth in finance, healthcare, and startups.

• High demand for skilled workers.
• Many employers offer moving bonuses.
• One of the top cities for remote workers.

2. Rapid City

Located near the Black Hills, Rapid City is great for outdoor lovers and offers:

• Remote job hubs.
• Affordable housing.
• Incentives for tech and medical professionals.

3. Brookings

A college town with an innovative spirit.

• Ideal for tech graduates.
• Active economic development board.
• Internship-to-full-time pipelines for students.

4. Watertown

Offers strong community support and incentives to fill job shortages in manufacturing and engineering.

How Much Can You Get?

Here’s a rough estimate of what you could earn or save by relocating to South Dakota:

Incentive Type	Potential Amount
Sign-on Bonus	$2,000 – $15,000
Rural Healthcare Grant	Up to $100,000
Down Payment Assistance	$5,000 – $10,000
Tax Savings	0% state income tax
Cost of Living Savings	~20% lower than U.S. average

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility depends on the program. In general, you may qualify if:

• You’re willing to live in South Dakota for a minimum period.
• You work in a high-demand field (healthcare, IT, skilled trades).
• You’re a recent graduate, veteran, or remote worker.
• You’re open to rural living or small-town life.

Each program has specific requirements, so be sure to check the individual guidelines.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to increase your chances of qualifying for a relocation incentive:

Step 1: Research Your Preferred Area

Decide whether you’d prefer city life (like Sioux Falls) or rural charm (like Yankton or Mobridge).

Step 2: Register With Dakota Roots

• Visit the official Dakota Roots website.
• Sign up and complete your profile.
• A job advisor will contact you.

Step 3: Search for Jobs With Relocation Support

• Utilize job boards such as Indeed, South Dakota Works, and local city economic development websites.
• Filter jobs that mention “relocation bonus” or “housing support.”

Step 4: Apply for Programs Based on Your Career

• Healthcare professionals should contact the SD Department of Health.
• Teachers, veterans, and students should explore industry-specific grants.

Step 5: Secure Housing

• Work with local housing authorities to check for down payment assistance.
• Compared to costs in most towns, renting is 30–50% cheaper than in coastal states.

Step 6: Move and Submit Documentation

Once you’ve relocated, you may be asked to provide proof of residence, employment start date, and work contracts to finalize your incentive payments.

Advanced Tips to Maximize Your Relocation Benefits

If you’re serious about moving to South Dakota and want to make the most of financial and lifestyle opportunities, consider these expert-level strategies. Many people overlook these tips and end up leaving thousands of dollars and quality-of-life improvements on the table.

1. Combine State and Federal Relocation Benefits

While South Dakota offers state-level incentives, you may also qualify for federal programs such as:

• VA home loans if you’re a veteran.
• First-time homebuyer tax credits.
• Workforce relocation grants through the U.S. Department of Labor (especially for displaced workers).

Pairing state, local, and federal benefits can amplify your total financial gain, sometimes exceeding $20,000 when properly coordinated.

2. Negotiate a Custom Relocation Package

When accepting a new job, don’t settle for the default relocation offer. Ask your employer for:

• Moving cost reimbursements (trucks, fuel, housing transition).
• Temporary housing allowance for your first 30–90 days.
• Home-finding trip compensation so you can visit the area before moving.

Hiring managers are often willing to adjust offers if they see you’re serious about relocating, especially in hard-to-fill roles.

3. Leverage Remote Work to Your Advantage

South Dakota’s 0% income tax is a game-changer for remote workers. If you’re earning $80,000 per year in a state like California or New York, moving to South Dakota can save you $4,000 to $8,000 per year in income taxes alone.

Make sure to:

• Maintain a South Dakota residence as your tax domicile.
• Update your tax information with HR or your accounting department.
• Avoid maintaining strong ties (like property ownership) in high-tax states, as that can complicate your residency.

4. Target Areas With Workforce Shortages

South Dakota publishes workforce development data that lists cities and industries with the most urgent hiring needs. These areas often come with:

• Higher sign-on bonuses.
• Greater relocation support.
• Priority access to housing and incentives.

Examples include:

• Rural hospitals in the western region.
• Manufacturing hubs in Watertown and Huron.
• Tech support roles in growing mid-sized towns like Brookings.

By choosing a high-demand area, you boost your odds of securing both a job and a relocation grant.

5. Join Local Organizations and Networks

Before or shortly after moving, connect with:

• Local chambers of commerce
• Facebook relocation groups
• Meetup events in your profession
• Volunteer boards and faith groups

These networks often have insider info on new job openings, under-the-radar grants, housing deals, and even free furniture for newcomers. In smaller towns, personal connections go a long way toward opportunity.

6. Watch for Employer Tax Incentives That Help You Too

Some South Dakota companies qualify for Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC) when they hire individuals from certain groups, such as veterans, the long-term unemployed, or recent graduates.

If you fall into one of those categories, your employment becomes more valuable to the company, and you’ll be in a stronger position to:

• Request bonuses.
• Ask for flexible remote arrangements.
• Negotiate paid moving assistance.

7. Use a Relocation Consultant (For Free!)

South Dakota’s Dakota Roots program connects job seekers with real human advisors. These consultants:

• Help you craft your resume for local employers.
• Introduce you to companies offering relocation assistance.
• Guide you on incentive applications and local living costs.

Best of all, this service is completely free and designed to help people transition to the state long-term.

8. Consider Off-Season Moves

Housing and moving services are typically cheaper during South Dakota’s off-peak seasons — late fall and winter. While snow may be a factor, moving during this time allows you to:

• Get better housing deals.
• Find lower-cost movers.
• Avoid competition with spring and summer relocators.

Some relocation programs even have leftover funds at year-end, so moving in Q4 might help you claim remaining budget money before it resets.

9. Explore Non-Cash Perks

While cash payments get the spotlight, South Dakota relocation support may also include:

• Free land or lots in some rural towns.
• Forgivable loans that turn into grants after a few years of residency.
• Childcare credits or education subsidies for families.
• Free coworking space memberships for remote workers and solopreneurs.

These perks reduce your monthly expenses significantly, often worth more than a one-time bonus over the long term.

10. Document Everything for Tax and Program Proof

Many grants require you to show:

• Proof of residency (utility bills, lease agreements).
• Employer letters verifying your start date.
• Evidence of staying the required period (like 12 or 36 months).

Keep a digital folder with scanned PDFs and signed forms so that you can easily submit documents for:

• Relocation payments
• Loan forgiveness
• State income tax residency confirmation

Real-Life Success Story

Laura from Ohio moved to Rapid City in 2023 after accepting a remote customer service job. Her employer offered a $5,000 relocation bonus, and she received $6,000 in housing assistance through a local nonprofit. “I bought a house for half the price I’d pay back in Ohio, and my monthly expenses are way lower,” she says. “Best decision I ever made.”

Is Moving to South Dakota Worth It?

Absolutely — especially if you’re in a qualifying industry, enjoy wide-open spaces, or are looking for a quieter, more affordable life. Between job opportunities, relocation bonuses, and tax savings, it’s entirely possible to get paid thousands of dollars to move to South Dakota while improving your overall quality of life.

FAQs: Get Paid To Move To South Dakota

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever dreamed of simplifying your life, owning a home, or working in a high-demand career while enjoying tax-free income, South Dakota might just be the hidden gem you’re looking for. With a variety of relocation incentives, job placement programs, and a community-first lifestyle, getting paid to move to South Dakota in 2025 isn’t just a dream — it’s a very real opportunity waiting for you.