S.D. ranks among nation’s best states for doctors
March 31, 2025
South Dakota ranks among the nation’s best states for doctors, according to a recent analysis.
The report by personal finance website WalletHub ranked the state third nationally after comparing across 19 key metrics.
The data set ranges from the average annual wage of physicians to the number of hospitals per capita to the quality of the public hospital system.
Here’s how South Dakota ranked in each category:
- 13th: Average annual wage of physicians — adjusted for cost of living.
- 7th: Average monthly starting salary of physicians — adjusted for cost of living.
- 11th: Hospitals per capita.
- 10th: Projected percentage of population aged 65 and older by 2030.
- 24th: Projected physicians per capita by 2032.
- 14th: Punitiveness of state medical board.
- 19th: Malpractice award payout amount per capita.
- 6th: Annual malpractice liability insurance rate.
“Setting up a practice in one of the best states for doctors can have a profound effect on your medical career,” WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said in a news release.
“Not only will you be working in top-quality medical facilities and earning high salaries, you’ll be less likely to burn out and pay less for malpractice insurance. Meanwhile, residents living in one of the best states for doctors will have access to quality health care at a reasonable cost.”
In detailing its findings on South Dakota, the report pointed to how physicians in the state have one of the highest starting salaries in the country at $5,330 per month.
“The state ranks particularly high when it comes to the yearly salaries for psychiatrists — $273,000 — and general internal medicine physicians — $318,000,” the report said. “In addition, doctors in The Mount Rushmore State pay less for malpractice insurance premiums than people in most other states. South Dakota also ranks well in the number of physician assistants per 1,000 residents and has around 8.5 hospitals for every 100,000 residents, which is one of the highest numbers in the country.”
Montana ranked first in the nation.
