South Dakota Median
$71,150
per year
Hourly Rate
$34.21
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-30% vs US median
US median $101,920
State Rank
#47 of 50
80 employed here
How much do Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers make in South Dakota?
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in South Dakota take home a median of $71,150 annually — roughly $34.21 an hour — which runs 30% below the national median of $101,920.
Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $61,290 while the top 10% make $78,560 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $64,990 and $75,990 a year.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers salary range in South Dakota
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $61,290 | $29.47 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $64,990 | $31.25 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $71,150 | $34.21 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $75,990 | $36.53 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $78,560 | $37.77 |
|
How South Dakota compares
South Dakota ranks 47th out of 50 states and territories for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers salary in other states
Texas $145,220Rhode Island $121,010Oklahoma $119,990Colorado $114,410Mississippi $112,400Maryland $110,510Massachusetts $108,210Alaska $107,410California $106,500Hawaii $106,270Washington $105,020New Hampshire $101,150Nevada $99,890Oregon $98,110Illinois $96,950North Carolina $95,260Florida $95,140Delaware $93,640Louisiana $91,560Idaho $91,170Utah $89,990Alabama $88,610New Mexico $88,530New Jersey $88,500Virginia $88,390Vermont $87,070Maine $86,840New York $86,410South Carolina $86,070Nebraska $85,550Arizona $85,190Pennsylvania $84,180North Dakota $84,070Missouri $83,390Ohio $81,220Michigan $80,990Minnesota $80,540Kansas $80,080Wisconsin $78,610Tennessee $77,870Kentucky $77,510West Virginia $76,060Montana $75,520Wyoming $74,910Iowa $74,460Georgia $73,920Indiana $68,240Arkansas $67,880Connecticut $61,810
Working as Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in South Dakota
Nationally, about 23,000 people work as Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in the United States. A master's degree (usually 5 to 6 years of college) is typically required.
Considering a move? Compare South Dakota pay ($71,150) 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 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers make in South Dakota?
The median Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers salary in South Dakota is $71,150 per year, or about $34.21 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $61,290 at the entry level to $78,560 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers about 30% less than the national median of $101,920. South Dakota ranks 47th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $71,150 a year. About 80 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers 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 Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers 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.