Conservation Scientists Salary in Rapid City, SD

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Rapid City, SD

Median annual salary $74,960 +10.3% vs national
Median hourly $36.04
10th percentile $39,460
90th percentile $101,660
Employed locally 40
National median $67,950

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Conservation Scientists
in
Rapid City, SD
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $39,460
    25th
    $40,360
    50th (median)
    $74,960
    75th
    $94,310
    90th
    $101,660

    Rapid City economic context

    Unemployment rate 1.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $71,985 2023 • Census ACS
    Conservation Scientists salary vs area income 104% Median Conservation Scientists salary is 4% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Conservation Scientists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Springfield, IL $107,990
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $105,680
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $98,930
    Salem, OR $98,050
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $96,260
    Bend, OR $94,310

    Nearby metros — Conservation Scientists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Sioux Falls, SD-MN $67,650

    Related occupations in Rapid City, SD

    OccupationMedian salary
    Forest and Conservation Technicians $54,310
    Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $63,150
    Soil and Plant Scientists $73,310
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $81,540
    Biological Technicians $40,570
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $77,510

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Conservation Scientists make per hour in Rapid City?

    The median hourly wage for Conservation Scientists in Rapid City, SD is $36.04, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $50.66 or more per hour.

    Is Rapid City above or below average for Conservation Scientists salaries?

    The median Conservation Scientists salary in Rapid City, SD is 10.3% above the national median of $67,950. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Conservation Scientists in Rapid City?

    Entry-level Conservation Scientists (10th percentile) earn around $39,460 per year in Rapid City, SD. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $40,360.