Agriculture & Environment South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Park Ranger Salary in South Dakota

The median park ranger salary in South Dakota is $37,400 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $42,500.

Median Salary
$37,400
vs National
$-5,100
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Park Ranger Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level park ranger earns around $26,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,840 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,400
$-3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,720
$-5,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,840
$-8,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $24,640
25th Percentile $29,920
Median (50th) $37,400
75th Percentile $51,040
90th Percentile $63,360

Park Ranger Salary by City in South Dakota

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

How to Become a Park Ranger in South Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

ConservationLaw EnforcementPublic EducationWildlife ManagementEmergency ResponseOutdoor Skills

Job Outlook in South Dakota

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