South Dakota ranks 37th of 51 states and D.C. for environmental scientists and specialists, including health pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($122,440) by $50,930 — a 71% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $55,450 to $93,830 — a $38,380 spread, 55% tighter than the national $84,700 range.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health are less concentrated in South Dakota than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.71 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.41× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $55,450 | $26.66 |
| 25th percentile | $61,340 | $29.49 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $71,510 | $34.38 |
| 75th percentile | $79,980 | $38.45 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $93,830 | $45.11 |
| Mean (average) | $73,420 | $35.30 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $71,510 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $122,440 | +71% |
| California | $97,520 | +36% |
| Massachusetts | $96,330 | +35% |
| Oregon | $93,560 | +31% |
| Rhode Island | $90,460 | +26% |
| Illinois | $89,010 | +24% |
| Washington | $88,670 | +24% |
| Minnesota | $87,210 | +22% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Risk Specialists | $71,670 | 110 |
| Compliance Officers | $71,700 | 1,180 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers | $71,770 | 100 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $71,040 | 1,710 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | $70,950 | 1,900 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,100 | 230 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health salary in South Dakota?
The mean environmental scientists and specialists, including health salary in South Dakota is $73,420 per year. The median (middle) salary is $71,510 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health in South Dakota?
Entry-level environmental scientists and specialists, including healths (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $55,450 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $61,340 per year.
What is the highest Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $93,830 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $79,980 per year.
How does the South Dakota Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health salary compare to the national average?
The median environmental scientists and specialists, including health salary in South Dakota is $71,510, which is -11% below national average of $80,060.