Estimate · based on BLS national data

Sociologists in South Dakota

$99,980 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$48.07 per hour

▼ 13.0% below U.S. average42nd 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$99,980per year
Median$92,246per year
Hourly$48.07per hour
10th – 90th percentile$61,360 – $138,109per year

Sociologists Pay Range in South Dakota

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$61,360
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$80,046
  • 50th Percentile — Median$92,246
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$122,089
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$138,109

Half of Sociologists in South Dakota earn more than $92,246. The top 10% make $138,109 or more, while entry-level workers start around $61,360.

Sociologists in South Dakota: Key Facts

Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living

  • South Dakota ranks 42nd of 51 states for Sociologists pay, at $99,980 per year (13.0% below the U.S. average of $114,920).
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $61,360; the top 10% earn over $138,109.
  • Hourly equivalent: $48.07 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is Hawaii at $178,126.
  • Among science jobs in South Dakota, Economists pays the most ($123,653).

Sociologists 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. Sociologists here earn $99,980 on average, placing the state 42nd nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 0.87 (U.S. = 1.00), a South Dakota salary of $99,980 is roughly equivalent to $114,920 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Maryland ($100,930), Alaska ($100,910), Alabama ($99,980) are the closest alternatives for Sociologists weighing a move.

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

Related career salary benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Sociologists salary in South Dakota?

The average Sociologists salary in South Dakota is $99,980 per year (median $92,246), which is 13.0% below the national average of $114,920.

How does South Dakota rank for Sociologists pay?

South Dakota ranks 42nd out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is Hawaii ($178,126/yr).

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

The lowest-paid 10% of Sociologists in South Dakota earn about $61,360 per year and the 25th percentile is $80,046.

How much do Sociologists make per hour in South Dakota?

About $48.07 per hour, based on the $99,980 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

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