Agriculture & Environment Mitchell, SD Pop. 15,660

Zoologist Salary in Mitchell, South Dakota

The median zoologist salary in Mitchell, SD is $55,949 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 6.8% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$55,949
vs State Avg
$-4,093
vs National
$-12,281
Cost of Living
82%

Zoologist Pay in Mitchell: What to Expect (2026)

Mitchell offers a median zoologist salary of $55,949, which is $4,093 below the South Dakota state average of $60,042. Compared to the national median of $68,230, 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 $55,949 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,230 in an average-cost city. This makes Mitchell an attractive option for zoologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for zoologists in Mitchell spans from $34,440 at the 10th percentile to $91,840 at the 90th percentile — a $57,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,900, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,100. Mitchell is a smaller market (pop. 15,660), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Zoologist Salary in Mitchell by Experience

In Mitchell, an entry-level zoologist earns around $36,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,900
$-8,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,400
$-12,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,100
$-18,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Mitchell, SD

Percentile Mitchell
10th Percentile $34,440
25th Percentile $44,280
Median (50th) $55,949
75th Percentile $73,800
90th Percentile $91,840

Zoologist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$62,772
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$61,407
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$58,678
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$57,313
Pop. 28,324

How to Become a Zoologist in Mitchell

Education

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

Key Skills

Wildlife BiologyField ResearchData AnalysisGISScientific WritingConservation

Job Outlook

Nationally, zoologist employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Mitchell may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Zoologist Jobs in Mitchell

Browse open zoologist positions in Mitchell, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Mitchell

How much does a Zoologist make in Mitchell, SD? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Mitchell, South Dakota is $55,949 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $34,440 (10th percentile) to $91,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Mitchell? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,949, a zoologist in Mitchell earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Mitchell compare to the South Dakota state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Mitchell's median zoologist salary of $55,949 is 6.8% below the South Dakota state average of $60,042. 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 zoologist salary of $55,949 in Mitchell has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Mitchell? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Mitchell require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Wildlife Biology, Field Research, Data Analysis, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.