Animal Breeder Salary in South Dakota (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Animal Breeders in South Dakota, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
South Dakota Median
$44,850
per year
Hourly Rate
$21.56
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-12% vs US median
US median $51,130
State Rank
#8 of 9
40 employed here

How much does an Animal Breeder make in South Dakota?

Animal Breeders in South Dakota take home a median of $44,850 annually — roughly $21.56 an hour — which runs 12% below the national median of $51,130.

Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $38,480 while the top 10% make $48,750 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $43,260 and $45,980 a year.

Animal Breeder salary range in South Dakota

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$38,480$18.50
25th percentile (early career)$43,260$20.80
50th percentile (median)$44,850$21.56
75th percentile (experienced)$45,980$22.11
90th percentile (top earners)$48,750$23.44

How South Dakota compares

South Dakota ranks 8th out of 9 states and territories for Animal Breeder pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Ohio$68,980
2California$59,280
3Alabama$53,200
4Wisconsin$51,130
5Texas$48,410

Working as an Animal Breeder in South Dakota

Nationally, about 1,000 people work as Animal Breeders in the United States. No college degree is required — most training happens on the job.

Considering a move? Compare South Dakota pay ($44,850) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Animal Breeder make in South Dakota?
The median Animal Breeder salary in South Dakota is $44,850 per year, or about $21.56 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $38,480 at the entry level to $48,750 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Animal Breeders about 12% less than the national median of $51,130. South Dakota ranks 8th out of 9 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Animal Breeders?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $44,850 a year. About 40 Animal Breeders are employed in South Dakota. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in South Dakota?
The highest-paying occupations in South Dakota include Radiologist ($586,010), Emergency Medicine Physician ($393,870), Obstetricians and Gynecologists ($297,610), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Animal Breeder salary report

Related salaries

Agricultural Equipment Operator

$41,730
median pay · 29,000 employed

Log Graders and Scalers

$46,330
median pay · 3,000 employed

Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals

$36,670
median pay · 33,000 employed

Logging Worker, All Other

$50,840
median pay · 2,000 employed

Forest and Conservation Workers

$43,680
median pay · 6,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.