South Dakota Median
$71,330
per year
Hourly Rate
$34.29
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-20% vs US median
US median $88,720
State Rank
#37 of 39
90 employed here
How much do Food Scientists and Technologists make in South Dakota?
Food Scientists and Technologists in South Dakota take home a median of $71,330 annually — roughly $34.29 an hour — which runs 20% below the national median of $88,720.
Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $41,990 while the top 10% make $147,530 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $59,650 and $137,250 a year.
Food Scientists and Technologists salary range in South Dakota
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $41,990 | $20.19 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $59,650 | $28.68 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $71,330 | $34.29 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $137,250 | $65.99 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $147,530 | $70.93 |
|
How South Dakota compares
South Dakota ranks 37th out of 39 states and territories for Food Scientists and Technologists pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Food Scientists and Technologists salary in other states
South Carolina $108,660Missouri $105,930New Jersey $104,340Massachusetts $103,580Florida $101,160Colorado $99,580Minnesota $99,280Kentucky $98,710Alabama $97,480Washington $94,990Illinois $94,340New York $94,070California $93,950Virginia $93,590Maryland $93,330Texas $90,610Arizona $90,450Maine $89,480Rhode Island $87,970Georgia $86,050Kansas $85,130Oklahoma $84,750Arkansas $84,330Pennsylvania $83,380Wisconsin $83,020Iowa $82,010Tennessee $81,760Oregon $81,660Nevada $80,580North Carolina $79,840New Mexico $79,130Idaho $77,440Michigan $76,940Ohio $76,780Utah $73,280Nebraska $72,230Indiana $69,350Montana $52,230
Working as Food Scientists and Technologists in South Dakota
Nationally, about 13,000 people work as Food Scientists and Technologists in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.
Considering a move? Compare South Dakota pay ($71,330) 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 Food Scientists and Technologists make in South Dakota?
The median Food Scientists and Technologists salary in South Dakota is $71,330 per year, or about $34.29 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $41,990 at the entry level to $147,530 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Food Scientists and Technologists about 20% less than the national median of $88,720. South Dakota ranks 37th out of 39 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Food Scientists and Technologists?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $71,330 a year. About 90 Food Scientists and Technologists 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 Food Scientists and Technologists 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.