Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists Salary in Rapid City, SD

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

Median annual salary $63,150 -13.3% vs national
Median hourly $30.36
10th percentile $51,450
90th percentile $77,940
Employed locally 60
National median $72,860

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Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
in
Rapid City, SD
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $51,450
    25th
    $55,270
    50th (median)
    $63,150
    75th
    $70,370
    90th
    $77,940

    Rapid City economic context

    Unemployment rate 1.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $71,985 2023 • Census ACS
    Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary vs area income 88% Median Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary is 12% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $122,170
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $121,890
    Gulfport-Biloxi, MS $113,030
    Salem, OR $98,110
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $97,810
    Rhode Island $97,050

    Related occupations in Rapid City, SD

    OccupationMedian salary
    Forest and Conservation Technicians $54,310
    Soil and Plant Scientists $73,310
    Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $81,540
    Biological Technicians $40,570
    Conservation Scientists $74,960
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $77,510

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists make per hour in Rapid City?

    The median hourly wage for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Rapid City, SD is $30.36, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $39.39 or more per hour.

    Is Rapid City above or below average for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salaries?

    The median Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists salary in Rapid City, SD is 13.3% below the national median of $72,860. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists in Rapid City?

    Entry-level Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists (10th percentile) earn around $51,450 per year in Rapid City, SD. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $55,270.