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Conservation Scientists Salary in South Dakota

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Conservation Scientists make in South Dakota?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$76,400
Median Annual Salary
▲ +5.3% vs 2024
$76,060
Mean Salary
$76,400
Median Salary
$36.73
Hourly Rate
360 people work as Conservation Scientists in South Dakota

Conservation Scientists salary by percentile in South Dakota

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Conservation Scientists salary in South Dakota — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Conservation Scientists in South Dakota.10thBottom 10% earn less than $51,100$51,10025th25% earn less than $61,110$61,110MedianHalf earn more than $76,400$76,40075th75% earn less than $88,710$88,71090thTop 10% earn more than $100,420$100,420

Conservation Scientists in South Dakota earn a median salary of $76,400 per year ($6,366/month). This is 5.4% above the national average of $72,498. South Dakota ranks #19 out of 51 states for Conservation Scientists pay. Approximately 360 people work in this occupation across South Dakota. Salaries increased by 5.3% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Conservation Scientists

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

Top Skills

Speaking
4.12
Active Listening
4.0
Reading Comprehension
3.88
Writing
3.75
Critical Thinking
3.75

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.5
English Language
4.26
Education and Training
4.02
Biology
3.98
Mathematics
3.74
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (80.3% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Conservation Scientists in South Dakota

Salaries for Conservation Scientists in South Dakota range from $51,100 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $100,420 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $61,110 and $88,710.

Median $76,400
P10: $51,100 P25: $61,110 P75: $88,710 P90: $100,420
10th
$51,100
25th
$61,110
Median
$76,400
75th
$88,710
90th
$100,420
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $51,100 $24.57 $4,258
25th Percentile $61,110 $29.38 $5,092
Median (50th) $76,400 $36.73 $6,366
75th Percentile $88,710 $42.65 $7,392
90th Percentile (Experienced) $100,420 $48.28 $8,368

Note: The mean (average) salary of $76,060 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#19
South Dakota ranks #19 of 51 states
$72,498
National avg. for Conservation Scientists
+5.4%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Conservation Scientists salary in South Dakota adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Conservation Scientists take-home pay in South Dakota after taxes →

Explore Conservation Scientists Data in South Dakota

After-Tax Take-Home Pay Hourly Wage Breakdown Cost-of-Living Adjusted Entry-Level vs Senior Salary Employment Outlook & Job Demand

Conservation Scientists Salary by State

Compare Conservation Scientists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

District of Columbia $99,400 Colorado $84,820 Maryland $83,290 Idaho $81,330 Wyoming $81,310 Oregon $80,790 Louisiana $80,190 California $79,810 Wisconsin $79,540 Alaska $79,260

View all 50 states →

Related Careers in South Dakota

Explore similar occupations and their salaries in South Dakota.

Biological TechniciansSimilar $41,300 Agricultural TechniciansSimilar $41,420 Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including HealthSimilar $44,180 Social Science Research AssistantsSimilar $44,820 Food Science TechniciansSimilar $48,760 Chemical TechniciansSimilar $49,030 Forensic Science TechniciansSimilar $51,690 Forest and Conservation TechniciansSimilar $54,770 Anthropologists and ArcheologistsSimilar $63,130 ForestersSimilar $64,460

View all jobs in South Dakota →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Conservation Scientists make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Conservation Scientists in South Dakota is $76,400 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $76,060.
What is the salary range for a Conservation Scientists in South Dakota?
Salaries for Conservation Scientists in South Dakota range from $51,100 at the 10th percentile to $100,420 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $61,110 and $88,710.
What is the starting salary for a Conservation Scientists in South Dakota?
Entry-level Conservation Scientists positions in South Dakota typically start around $51,100 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $61,110 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Conservation Scientists in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 360 people are employed as Conservation Scientists in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Conservation Scientists in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Conservation Scientists in South Dakota is approximately $36.73 per hour.

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More About South Dakota

Salary Data
All Salaries in South Dakota Average Salary in South Dakota Highest Paying Jobs in South Dakota
Salary Thresholds
Jobs Over $100K in South Dakota $100K+ Jobs Without a Degree in South Dakota
Top Cities in South Dakota
Sioux Falls Rapid City
Top Colleges in South Dakota
Augustana University Black Hills State University Dakota State University Dakota Wesleyan University

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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