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Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in South Dakota
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in South Dakota?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$65,890
Median Annual Salary
▲
+5.9% vs 2024
$69,120
Mean Salary
$65,890
Median Salary
$31.68
Hourly Rate
170 people work as Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in South Dakota
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary by percentile in South Dakota
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in South Dakota earn a median salary of $65,890 per year ($5,490/month).
This is 13.0% below the national average of $75,715.
South Dakota ranks #39 out of 47 states for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists pay.
Approximately 170 people work in this occupation across South Dakota.
Salaries increased by 5.9% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.
Top Skills
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
4.0
Speaking
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Complex Problem Solving
4.0
Key Knowledge Areas
Biology
4.81
English Language
3.77
Customer and Personal Service
3.73
Mathematics
3.41
Geography
3.37
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
(57.2% of workers)
Salary Range: Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in South Dakota
Salaries for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in South Dakota range from $53,410 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $87,640 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $56,970 and $78,830.
Median $65,890
P10: $53,410P25: $56,970P75: $78,830P90: $87,640
10th
$53,410
25th
$56,970
Median
$65,890
75th
$78,830
90th
$87,640
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$53,410
$25.68
$4,450
25th Percentile
$56,970
$27.39
$4,747
Median (50th)
$65,890
$31.68
$5,490
75th Percentile
$78,830
$37.90
$6,569
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$87,640
$42.13
$7,303
Note: The mean (average) salary of $69,120 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#39
South Dakota ranks #39 of 47 states
$75,715
National avg. for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
How much do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in South Dakota is $65,890 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $69,120.
What is the salary range for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in South Dakota?
Salaries for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in South Dakota range from $53,410 at the 10th percentile to $87,640 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $56,970 and $78,830.
What is the starting salary for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in South Dakota?
Entry-level Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists positions in South Dakota typically start around $53,410 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $56,970 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 170 people are employed as Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in South Dakota is approximately $31.68 per hour.
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.
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