📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota · 13.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$64,624
per year
Median
$60,274
per year
Hourly
$31.07
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$42,308
25th Percentile — Junior$53,966
50th Percentile — Median$60,274
75th Percentile — Senior$80,197
90th Percentile — Top Earners$89,869
💡 Top-earning Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss in South Dakota make up to $89,869 per year. The job market in South Dakota is rated moderate, with key industries including Agriculture, Finance, Tourism.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$53.6k
2021
$55.7k
2022
$57.8k
2023
$60.0k
2024
$62.3k
2025
$64.6k
2026
📈 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salaries in South Dakota have followed the national trend with 3.8% annual growth. The strong presence in South Dakota's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary by City in South Dakota
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $64,624 +0% Medium
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Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Job Market in South Dakota
Key factors affecting compensation

South Dakota is home to a moderate job market for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Finance, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $64,624 per year, South Dakota's Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists 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 $42,308–$53,966, while experienced Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss can command $80,197–$89,869.

Looking ahead, the Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists profession in South Dakota is projected to grow at 3.8% 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
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary in South Dakota is $64,624 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $74,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistss 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 Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists employment.
  • At $64,624/year, South Dakota Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $74,280/year.