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Soil and Plant Scientists Salary in South Dakota

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Soil and Plant Scientists make in South Dakota?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$73,590
Median Annual Salary
▲ +18.8% vs 2024
$79,240
Mean Salary
$73,590
Median Salary
$35.38
Hourly Rate
480 people work as Soil and Plant Scientists in South Dakota

Soil and Plant Scientists salary by percentile in South Dakota

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

Soil and Plant Scientists salary in South Dakota — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Soil and Plant Scientists in South Dakota.10thBottom 10% earn less than $51,980$51,98025th25% earn less than $60,180$60,180MedianHalf earn more than $73,590$73,59075th75% earn less than $93,640$93,64090thTop 10% earn more than $120,970$120,970

Soil and Plant Scientists in South Dakota earn a median salary of $73,590 per year ($6,132/month). This is 2.4% below the national average of $75,370. South Dakota ranks #25 out of 46 states for Soil and Plant Scientists pay. Approximately 480 people work in this occupation across South Dakota. Salaries increased by 18.8% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Soil and Plant Scientists

Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.0
Speaking
4.0
Science
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Active Learning
4.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Biology
4.43
English Language
4.05
Computers and Electronics
3.86
Chemistry
3.84
Mathematics
3.76
Typical Education: Master's Degree (28.6% of workers)

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

Salary Range: Soil and Plant Scientists in South Dakota

Salaries for Soil and Plant Scientists in South Dakota range from $51,980 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $120,970 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $60,180 and $93,640.

Median $73,590
P10: $51,980 P25: $60,180 P75: $93,640 P90: $120,970
10th
$51,980
25th
$60,180
Median
$73,590
75th
$93,640
90th
$120,970
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $51,980 $24.99 $4,331
25th Percentile $60,180 $28.93 $5,015
Median (50th) $73,590 $35.38 $6,132
75th Percentile $93,640 $45.02 $7,803
90th Percentile (Experienced) $120,970 $58.16 $10,080

Note: The mean (average) salary of $79,240 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#25
South Dakota ranks #25 of 46 states
$75,370
National avg. for Soil and Plant Scientists
-2.4%
vs. national average
Near Average

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

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

Explore Soil and Plant Scientists Data in South Dakota

Soil and Plant Scientists Salary by State

Compare Soil and Plant Scientists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Soil and Plant Scientists make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Soil and Plant Scientists in South Dakota is $73,590 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $79,240.
What is the salary range for a Soil and Plant Scientists in South Dakota?
Salaries for Soil and Plant Scientists in South Dakota range from $51,980 at the 10th percentile to $120,970 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $60,180 and $93,640.
What is the starting salary for a Soil and Plant Scientists in South Dakota?
Entry-level Soil and Plant Scientists positions in South Dakota typically start around $51,980 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $60,180 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Soil and Plant Scientists in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 480 people are employed as Soil and Plant Scientists in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Soil and Plant Scientists in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Soil and Plant Scientists in South Dakota is approximately $35.38 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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