📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Geoscientist Salary in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota · 13.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$81,154
per year
Median
$72,454
per year
Hourly
$39.02
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$49,878
25th Percentile — Junior$67,452
50th Percentile — Median$72,454
75th Percentile — Senior$106,993
90th Percentile — Top Earners$122,686
💡 Top-earning Geoscientists in South Dakota make up to $122,686 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
$68.3k
2021
$70.7k
2022
$73.2k
2023
$75.8k
2024
$78.4k
2025
$81.2k
2026
📈 Geoscientist salaries in South Dakota have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong demand in South Dakota's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Geoscientist Salary by City in South Dakota
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $81,154 +0% High
🔍
Geoscientist Job Market in South Dakota
Key factors affecting compensation

South Dakota is home to a moderate job market for Geoscientists. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Finance, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $81,154 per year, South Dakota's Geoscientist 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 $49,878–$67,452, while experienced Geoscientists can command $106,993–$122,686.

Looking ahead, the Geoscientist 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
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Geoscientist salary in South Dakota is $81,154 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $93,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Geoscientists 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 Geoscientist employment.
  • At $81,154/year, South Dakota Geoscientist salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $93,280/year.