📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Conservation Scientist Salary in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota · 13.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$57,629
per year
Median
$55,141
per year
Hourly
$27.71
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$38,372
25th Percentile — Junior$48,972
50th Percentile — Median$55,141
75th Percentile — Senior$72,823
90th Percentile — Top Earners$81,625
💡 Top-earning Conservation Scientists in South Dakota make up to $81,625 per year. The job market in South Dakota is rated moderate, with key industries including Agriculture, Finance, Tourism.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$48.5k
2021
$50.2k
2022
$52.0k
2023
$53.8k
2024
$55.7k
2025
$57.6k
2026
📈 Conservation Scientist salaries in South Dakota have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong presence in South Dakota's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Conservation Scientist Salary by City in South Dakota
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $57,629 +0% Medium
🔍
Conservation Scientist Job Market in South Dakota
Key factors affecting compensation

South Dakota is home to a moderate job market for Conservation Scientists. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Finance, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $57,629 per year, South Dakota's Conservation Scientist salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in South Dakota (index: 0.87) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in South Dakota can expect to earn $38,372–$48,972, while experienced Conservation Scientists can command $72,823–$81,625.

Looking ahead, the Conservation Scientist profession in South Dakota is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Agriculture continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Conservation Scientist salary in South Dakota is $57,629 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $66,240.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Conservation Scientists the highest wages in South Dakota due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • South Dakota has a moderate job market with major industries in Agriculture, Finance, Tourism. Opportunities exist in for Conservation Scientist employment.
  • At $57,629/year, South Dakota Conservation Scientist salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $66,240/year.