South Dakota Median
$54,770
per year
Hourly Rate
$26.33
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+0% vs US median
US median $54,560
State Rank
#16 of 45
350 employed here
How much do Forest and Conservation Technicians make in South Dakota?
Forest and Conservation Technicians in South Dakota take home a median of $54,770 annually — roughly $26.33 an hour — which runs 0% above the national median of $54,560.
Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $43,530 while the top 10% make $82,990 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $47,940 and $71,410 a year.
Forest and Conservation Technicians salary range in South Dakota
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $43,530 | $20.93 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $47,940 | $23.05 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $54,770 | $26.33 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $71,410 | $34.33 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $82,990 | $39.90 |
|
How South Dakota compares
South Dakota ranks 16th out of 45 states and territories for Forest and Conservation Technicians pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Forest and Conservation Technicians salary in other states
North Dakota $68,600Alaska $68,160Maryland $64,980Wisconsin $62,700Louisiana $59,370Minnesota $58,990California $58,120New York $58,030Colorado $57,550Pennsylvania $57,370Alabama $56,720Arizona $56,660Massachusetts $56,480Oregon $55,910South Carolina $55,910West Virginia $54,600Nevada $54,230Vermont $54,160Washington $54,160Oklahoma $53,930Arkansas $53,290Idaho $53,290Wyoming $53,290New Mexico $53,000Illinois $52,790Florida $52,420Mississippi $52,420Montana $52,420Texas $52,200Iowa $52,000Nebraska $51,630New Hampshire $51,630Georgia $50,710Hawaii $50,040Virginia $49,960Ohio $48,840Indiana $48,660North Carolina $48,360Tennessee $47,940Utah $47,940Michigan $45,760Kentucky $43,660Kansas $41,660Missouri $33,920
Working as Forest and Conservation Technicians in South Dakota
Nationally, about 30,000 people work as Forest and Conservation Technicians in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.
Considering a move? Compare South Dakota pay ($54,770) 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 Forest and Conservation Technicians make in South Dakota?
The median Forest and Conservation Technicians salary in South Dakota is $54,770 per year, or about $26.33 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $43,530 at the entry level to $82,990 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Forest and Conservation Technicians about 0% more than the national median of $54,560. South Dakota ranks 16th out of 45 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Forest and Conservation Technicians?
Yes on pay — South Dakota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $54,770 a year. About 350 Forest and Conservation Technicians are employed in South Dakota. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
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 Forest and Conservation Technicians 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.