South Dakota ranks 39th of 51 states and D.C. for occupational health and safety specialists pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($115,710) by $36,250 — a 46% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $47,750 to $103,700 — a $55,950 spread, 30% tighter than the national $79,850 range.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists are less concentrated in South Dakota than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.57 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.75× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $47,750 | $22.96 |
| 25th percentile | $65,360 | $31.42 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $79,460 | $38.20 |
| 75th percentile | $91,890 | $44.18 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $103,700 | $49.86 |
| Mean (average) | $79,050 | $38.00 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $79,460 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $115,710 | +46% |
| California | $99,530 | +25% |
| Washington | $98,300 | +24% |
| Rhode Island | $98,240 | +24% |
| Illinois | $96,570 | +22% |
| Colorado | $96,310 | +21% |
| Massachusetts | $96,250 | +21% |
| Minnesota | $93,640 | +18% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,430 | 140 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | $79,320 | 1,660 |
| Management Analysts | $79,660 | 3,180 |
| Loan Officers | $78,590 | 1,930 |
| Medical Equipment Repairers | $80,580 | 280 |
| Labor Relations Specialists | $78,180 | 90 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Occupational Health and Safety Specialists salary in South Dakota?
The mean occupational health and safety specialists salary in South Dakota is $79,050 per year. The median (middle) salary is $79,460 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Occupational Health and Safety Specialists in South Dakota?
Entry-level occupational health and safety specialistss (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $47,750 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $65,360 per year.
What is the highest Occupational Health and Safety Specialists salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $103,700 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $91,890 per year.
How does the South Dakota Occupational Health and Safety Specialists salary compare to the national average?
The median occupational health and safety specialists salary in South Dakota is $79,460, which is -5% below national average of $83,910.