Anthropologists and Archeologists Salary in South Dakota (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
South Dakota Median
$63,130
per year
Hourly Rate
$30.35
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-11% vs US median
US median $70,770
State Rank
#33 of 45
40 employed here

How much do Anthropologists and Archeologists make in South Dakota?

Anthropologists and Archeologists in South Dakota take home a median of $63,130 annually — roughly $30.35 an hour — which runs 11% below the national median of $70,770.

Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $50,110 while the top 10% make $97,470 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $51,860 and $79,600 a year.

Anthropologists and Archeologists salary range in South Dakota

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$50,110$24.09
25th percentile (early career)$51,860$24.93
50th percentile (median)$63,130$30.35
75th percentile (experienced)$79,600$38.27
90th percentile (top earners)$97,470$46.86

How South Dakota compares

South Dakota ranks 33rd out of 45 states and territories for Anthropologists and Archeologists pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Massachusetts$121,300
2Nebraska$94,520
3Connecticut$91,420
4Alaska$89,810
5Idaho$88,710

Working as Anthropologists and Archeologists in South Dakota

Nationally, about 9,000 people work as Anthropologists and Archeologists in the United States. A doctoral or professional degree (8 or more years of higher education) is required.

Considering a move? Compare South Dakota pay ($63,130) 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 do Anthropologists and Archeologists make in South Dakota?
The median Anthropologists and Archeologists salary in South Dakota is $63,130 per year, or about $30.35 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $50,110 at the entry level to $97,470 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Anthropologists and Archeologists about 11% less than the national median of $70,770. South Dakota ranks 33rd out of 45 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Anthropologists and Archeologists?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $63,130 a year. About 40 Anthropologists and Archeologists 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 Anthropologists and Archeologists salary report

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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.