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Physicists Salary in South Dakota

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Physicists make in South Dakota?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$83,050
Median Annual Salary
▲ +5.9% vs 2024
$108,270
Mean Salary
$83,050
Median Salary
$39.93
Hourly Rate
30 people work as Physicists in South Dakota

Physicists salary by percentile in South Dakota

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

Physicists salary in South Dakota — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Physicists in South Dakota.10thBottom 10% earn less than $53,910$53,91025th25% earn less than $66,170$66,170MedianHalf earn more than $83,050$83,05075th75% earn less than $134,300$134,30090thTop 10% earn more than $180,690$180,690

Physicists in South Dakota earn a median salary of $83,050 per year ($6,920/month). This is 46.0% below the national average of $153,763. South Dakota ranks #42 out of 43 states for Physicists pay. Approximately 30 people work in this occupation across South Dakota. Salaries increased by 5.9% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Physicists

Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.

Top Skills

Science
4.62
Reading Comprehension
4.25
Mathematics
4.25
Speaking
4.12
Critical Thinking
4.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Physics
4.92
Mathematics
4.82
Engineering and Technology
4.54
Computers and Electronics
4.38
English Language
3.69
Typical Education: Doctoral Degree (49.0% of workers)

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

Salary Range: Physicists in South Dakota

Salaries for Physicists in South Dakota range from $53,910 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $180,690 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $66,170 and $134,300.

Median $83,050
P10: $53,910 P25: $66,170 P75: $134,300 P90: $180,690
10th
$53,910
25th
$66,170
Median
$83,050
75th
$134,300
90th
$180,690
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $53,910 $25.92 $4,492
25th Percentile $66,170 $31.81 $5,514
Median (50th) $83,050 $39.93 $6,920
75th Percentile $134,300 $64.57 $11,191
90th Percentile (Experienced) $180,690 $86.87 $15,057

Note: The mean (average) salary of $108,270 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#42
South Dakota ranks #42 of 43 states
$153,763
National avg. for Physicists
-46.0%
vs. national average
Below Average

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

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

Explore Physicists Data in South Dakota

Physicists Salary by State

Compare Physicists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Physicists make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Physicists in South Dakota is $83,050 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $108,270.
What is the salary range for a Physicists in South Dakota?
Salaries for Physicists in South Dakota range from $53,910 at the 10th percentile to $180,690 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $66,170 and $134,300.
What is the starting salary for a Physicists in South Dakota?
Entry-level Physicists positions in South Dakota typically start around $53,910 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $66,170 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Physicists in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 30 people are employed as Physicists in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Physicists in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Physicists in South Dakota is approximately $39.93 per hour.

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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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