Science & Research South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Geologist Salary in South Dakota

The median geologist salary in South Dakota is $73,638 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $83,680.

Median Salary
$73,638
vs National
$-10,042
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Geologist Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level geologist earns around $47,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,200 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,520
$-6,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $44,880
25th Percentile $55,440
Median (50th) $73,638
75th Percentile $98,560
90th Percentile $130,240

Geologist Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for geologists in South Dakota include Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Brookings. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Sioux Falls, SD
$76,986
Pop. 192,517 · COL 92%
Rapid City, SD
$75,312
Pop. 74,703 · COL 90%
Aberdeen, SD
$70,291
Pop. 28,324 · COL 84%
Brookings, SD
$71,965
Pop. 24,194 · COL 86%
Mitchell, SD
$68,618
Pop. 15,660 · COL 82%

How to Become a Geologist in South Dakota

Education

Most geologist positions require a bachelor's degree. South Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, geologist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). South Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Geologist Jobs in South Dakota

Browse open geologist positions in South Dakota:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Geologist make in South Dakota? ▼
The median geologist salary in South Dakota is $73,638 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $44,880 (10th percentile) to $130,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,638, a geologist in South Dakota earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for geologists? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for geologist pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level geologists earn $47,520, while senior professionals earn $123,200.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for geologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for geologists is Hawaii at $142,256. South Dakota's median of $73,638 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($74,475) and Missouri ($73,638).
What is the entry-level geologist salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level geologist in South Dakota earns approximately $47,520 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $74,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $123,200.
What city in South Dakota pays geologists the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for geologists, with a median salary of $76,986. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.