Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers salary in South Dakota
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in South Dakota earn a median of $71,150 a year ($34.21 an hour), based on BLS data for 80 workers.
Pay ranges from $61,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $78,560 for the top 10%. That is 30% lower than the national median of $101,920. South Dakota ranks 47th of 50 states for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers pay. There are 0.18 geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $72,030, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $61,290 | $29.47 |
| 25th percentile | $64,990 | $31.25 |
| Median | $71,150 | $34.21 |
| 75th percentile | $75,990 | $36.53 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $78,560 | $37.77 |
| Average (mean) | $72,030 | $34.63 |
Half of geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,929.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,964.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,736.54 |
| Weekly | $1,368.27 |
| Hourly | $34.21 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $71,150 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Dakota at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Highest-paying states for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Texas | $145,220 |
| Rhode Island | $121,010 |
| Oklahoma | $119,990 |
| Colorado | $114,410 |
| Mississippi | $112,400 |
| Maryland | $110,510 |
| Massachusetts | $108,210 |
| Alaska | $107,410 |
| California | $106,500 |
| Hawaii | $106,270 |
See Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers pay in every state.
Related jobs in South Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $68,230 | $32.80 |
| Chemist | $67,440 | $32.42 |
| Atmospheric and Space Scientists | $78,900 | $37.93 |
| Physicist | $83,050 | $39.93 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $73,590 | $35.38 |
| Conservation Scientist | $76,400 | $36.73 |
| Agricultural Technician | $41,420 | $19.91 |
| Forest and Conservation Technicians | $54,770 | $26.33 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $88,610 | $42.60 |
| Biological Technician | $41,300 | $19.86 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $71,180 | $34.22 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $73,920 | $35.54 |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | $65,890 | $31.68 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $80,890 | $38.89 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in South Dakota
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 19-2042. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers make in South Dakota?
The median salary for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers in South Dakota is $71,150 a year, or $34.21 an hour. Pay ranges from $61,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $78,560 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers in South Dakota earn at least $78,560 a year. The top 25% earn $75,990 or more.
What is the starting pay for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $61,290 a year, and a quarter of geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers earn $64,990 or less.
How many geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers work in South Dakota?
About 80 geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.