Agriculture & Environment Mitchell, SD Pop. 15,660

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Mitchell, South Dakota

The median agricultural scientist salary in Mitchell, SD is $60,811 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 6.8% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$60,811
vs State Avg
$-4,450
vs National
$-13,349
Cost of Living
82%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in Mitchell: What to Expect (2026)

Mitchell offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $60,811, which is $4,450 below the South Dakota state average of $65,261. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Mitchell pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Mitchell's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $60,811 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $74,160 in an average-cost city. This makes Mitchell an attractive option for agricultural scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Mitchell spans from $36,080 at the 10th percentile to $100,040 at the 90th percentile — a $63,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,360, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $94,300. Mitchell is a smaller market (pop. 15,660), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Mitchell by Experience

In Mitchell, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $39,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $94,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,360
$-8,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,320
$-13,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$94,300
$-20,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Mitchell, SD

Percentile Mitchell
10th Percentile $36,080
25th Percentile $45,920
Median (50th) $60,811
75th Percentile $80,360
90th Percentile $100,040

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Mitchell

Education

Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Mitchell and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Mitchell may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Mitchell

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Mitchell, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Mitchell

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Mitchell, SD? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Mitchell, South Dakota is $60,811 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $36,080 (10th percentile) to $100,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Mitchell? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,811, a agricultural scientist in Mitchell earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Mitchell compare to the South Dakota state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Mitchell's median agricultural scientist salary of $60,811 is 6.8% below the South Dakota state average of $65,261. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Mitchell, SD? ▼
Mitchell has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $60,811 in Mitchell has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Mitchell? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Mitchell require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agronomy, Research Methods, Data Analysis, Soil Science. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.