Agriculture & Environment Sioux Falls, SD Pop. 192,517

Zoologist Salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The median zoologist salary in Sioux Falls, SD is $62,772 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 4.5% above the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$62,772
vs State Avg
+$2,730
vs National
$-5,458
Cost of Living
92%

Zoologist Pay in Sioux Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux Falls offers a median zoologist salary of $62,772, which is $2,730 above the South Dakota state average of $60,042. Compared to the national median of $68,230, Sioux Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Sioux Falls's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for zoologists in Sioux Falls spans from $38,640 at the 10th percentile to $103,040 at the 90th percentile — a $64,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,400, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,600. With a population of 192,517, Sioux Falls is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Zoologist Salary in Sioux Falls by Experience

In Sioux Falls, an entry-level zoologist earns around $41,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,400
$-3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,600
$-8,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux Falls, SD

Percentile Sioux Falls
10th Percentile $38,640
25th Percentile $49,680
Median (50th) $62,772
75th Percentile $82,800
90th Percentile $103,040

Zoologist Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Zoologist in Sioux Falls

Education

Most zoologist positions require a bachelor's degree. Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Zoologist Jobs in Sioux Falls

Browse open zoologist positions in Sioux Falls, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Sioux Falls

How much does a Zoologist make in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is $62,772 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $38,640 (10th percentile) to $103,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Sioux Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,772, a zoologist in Sioux Falls earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux Falls compare to the South Dakota state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Sioux Falls's median zoologist salary of $62,772 is 4.5% above the South Dakota state average of $60,042. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼
Sioux Falls has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a zoologist salary of $62,772 in Sioux Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Sioux Falls? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Sioux Falls 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.