📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Soil and Plant Scientist Salary in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota · 13.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$62,884
per year
Median
$58,534
per year
Hourly
$30.23
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$40,699
25th Percentile — Junior$52,879
50th Percentile — Median$58,534
75th Percentile — Senior$80,284
90th Percentile — Top Earners$90,670
💡 Top-earning Soil and Plant Scientists in South Dakota make up to $90,670 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
$52.9k
2021
$54.8k
2022
$56.7k
2023
$58.7k
2024
$60.8k
2025
$62.9k
2026
📈 Soil and Plant Scientist salaries in South Dakota have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong presence in South Dakota's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Soil and Plant Scientist Salary by City in South Dakota
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $62,884 +0% Medium
🔍
Soil and Plant Scientist Job Market in South Dakota
Key factors affecting compensation

South Dakota is home to a moderate job market for Soil and Plant Scientists. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Finance, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $62,884 per year, South Dakota's Soil and Plant 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 $40,699–$52,879, while experienced Soil and Plant Scientists can command $80,284–$90,670.

Looking ahead, the Soil and Plant Scientist 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 Soil and Plant Scientist salary in South Dakota is $62,884 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $72,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Soil and Plant 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 Soil and Plant Scientist employment.
  • At $62,884/year, South Dakota Soil and Plant Scientist salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $72,280/year.