📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Materials Scientist Salary in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota · 13.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$88,984
per year
Median
$82,894
per year
Hourly
$42.78
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$55,272
25th Percentile — Junior$73,542
50th Percentile — Median$82,894
75th Percentile — Senior$114,649
90th Percentile — Top Earners$130,690
💡 Top-earning Materials Scientists in South Dakota make up to $130,690 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
$76.8k
2021
$79.1k
2022
$81.4k
2023
$83.9k
2024
$86.4k
2025
$89.0k
2026
📈 Materials Scientist salaries in South Dakota have followed the national trend with 3.0% annual growth. The strong presence in South Dakota's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Materials Scientist Salary by City in South Dakota
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $88,984 +0% Medium
🔍
Materials Scientist Job Market in South Dakota
Key factors affecting compensation

South Dakota is home to a moderate job market for Materials Scientists. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Finance, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $88,984 per year, South Dakota's Materials 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 $55,272–$73,542, while experienced Materials Scientists can command $114,649–$130,690.

Looking ahead, the Materials Scientist profession in South Dakota is projected to grow at 3.0% 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 Materials Scientist salary in South Dakota is $88,984 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $102,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Materials 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 Materials Scientist employment.
  • At $88,984/year, South Dakota Materials Scientist salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $102,280/year.