Economists Pay Range in South Dakota
Pay distribution across experience levels
- 10th Percentile — Entry Level$66,028
- 25th Percentile — Junior$95,730
- 50th Percentile — Median$108,506
- 75th Percentile — Senior$162,559
- 90th Percentile — Top Earners$190,543
Half of Economists in South Dakota earn more than $108,506. The top 10% make $190,543 or more, while entry-level workers start around $66,028.
Economists in South Dakota: Key Facts
Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living
- South Dakota ranks 26th of 51 states for Economists pay, at $123,653 per year (13.0% below the U.S. average of $142,130).
- Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $66,028; the top 10% earn over $190,543.
- Hourly equivalent: $59.45 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
- The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $175,100.
- Among science jobs in South Dakota, Biochemists and Biophysicists pays the most ($112,961).
Economists Job Market in South Dakota
Key factors affecting compensation
South Dakota's key industries are Agriculture, Finance, Tourism, and its job market is rated moderate. Economists here earn $123,653 on average, placing the state 26th nationally.
With a cost-of-living index of 0.87 (U.S. = 1.00), a South Dakota salary of $123,653 is roughly equivalent to $142,130 at the national average cost of living.
Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Colorado ($127,020), New Mexico ($125,074), South Carolina ($125,074) are the closest alternatives for Economists weighing a move.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
Other Science Jobs in South Dakota
Related career salary benchmarks
- Biochemists and Biophysicists $112,961/yr South Dakota 8.6% vs this role
- Materials Scientists $109,777/yr South Dakota 11.2% vs this role
- Physicists $108,270/yr South Dakota 12.4% vs this role
- Sociologists $99,980/yr South Dakota 19.1% vs this role
- Hydrologists $90,132/yr South Dakota 27.1% vs this role
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists $89,140/yr South Dakota 27.9% vs this role
- Food Scientists and Technologists $87,850/yr South Dakota 29.0% vs this role
- Medical Scientists $83,870/yr South Dakota 32.2% vs this role
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
What is the average Economists salary in South Dakota?
The average Economists salary in South Dakota is $123,653 per year (median $108,506), which is 13.0% below the national average of $142,130.
How does South Dakota rank for Economists pay?
South Dakota ranks 26th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia ($175,100/yr).
How much do entry-level Economists make in South Dakota?
The lowest-paid 10% of Economists in South Dakota earn about $66,028 per year and the 25th percentile is $95,730.
How much do Economists make per hour in South Dakota?
About $59.45 per hour, based on the $123,653 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.
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