Estimate · based on BLS national data

Hydrologists in South Dakota

$90,132 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$43.33 per hour

▼ 13.0% below U.S. average38th of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: Estimate (BLS national × cost of living) Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$90,132per year
Median$84,042per year
Hourly$43.33per hour
10th – 90th percentile$59,573 – $122,565per year

Hydrologists Pay Range in South Dakota

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$59,573
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$75,078
  • 50th Percentile — Median$84,042
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$109,965
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$122,565

Half of Hydrologists in South Dakota earn more than $84,042. The top 10% make $122,565 or more, while entry-level workers start around $59,573.

Hydrologists in South Dakota: Key Facts

Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living

  • South Dakota ranks 38th of 51 states for Hydrologists pay, at $90,132 per year (13.0% below the U.S. average of $103,600).
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $59,573; the top 10% earn over $122,565.
  • Hourly equivalent: $43.33 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is Hawaii at $160,580.
  • Among science jobs in South Dakota, Economists pays the most ($123,653).

Hydrologists 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. Hydrologists here earn $90,132 on average, placing the state 38th nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 0.87 (U.S. = 1.00), a South Dakota salary of $90,132 is roughly equivalent to $103,600 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Nebraska ($91,168), Tennessee ($91,168), Iowa ($90,730) are the closest alternatives for Hydrologists weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Hydrologists salary in South Dakota?

The average Hydrologists salary in South Dakota is $90,132 per year (median $84,042), which is 13.0% below the national average of $103,600.

How does South Dakota rank for Hydrologists pay?

South Dakota ranks 38th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is Hawaii ($160,580/yr).

How much do entry-level Hydrologists make in South Dakota?

The lowest-paid 10% of Hydrologists in South Dakota earn about $59,573 per year and the 25th percentile is $75,078.

How much do Hydrologists make per hour in South Dakota?

About $43.33 per hour, based on the $90,132 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

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