SalaryNode

Average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary in South Dakota

In South Dakota, professionals in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations earn an average annual salary of $43,110. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $41,160, indicating a favorable compensation landscape within the state. The specific economic drivers and industry concentration in South Dakota likely contribute to this elevated pay scale for these essential roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $43,110 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $54,350.
  • Outlook: South Dakota's market for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations presents a robust picture, evidenced by a total local workforce of 1,970 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.51 signifies a significant concentration of these jobs relative to the national average, suggesting a strong and established demand for these specialized skills within the state's economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$43,110

The average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in South Dakota earns+4.7%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$20.7

Weekly

$829

Monthly

$3,593

Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Distribution in South Dakota

Within the Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations sector in South Dakota, salary progression is closely tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and leadership responsibilities can expect significantly higher compensation. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries reflects the substantial career advancement opportunities available.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$31,150$15
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$32,333$15.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$42,640$20.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$53,888$25.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$54,350$26.1

Detailed Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$43,110

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$46,961

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $43,110 in South Dakota for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations offers considerable purchasing power, especially when contrasted with the local Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that everyday expenses are generally more affordable in South Dakota, allowing the $43,110 salary to stretch further than its national counterpart.

Job Market Context

1,970

Total Jobs

4.341

Per 1K Jobs

1.51

Location Quotient

Major Hub

South Dakota has 1.5x the national concentration of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 1.51, South Dakota demonstrates a higher concentration of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in this sector is relatively abundant and potentially less saturated than in other regions, offering good opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals seeking employment in these fields.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations make in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in South Dakota is $43,110. This typically ranges from $31,150 for entry-level positions to $54,350 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in South Dakota is 4.7% higher than the national median of $41,160.

Is South Dakota a lucrative place for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?

Yes, South Dakota offers a lucrative environment for these occupations.The average salary exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is below the national average, enhancing overall financial well-being.

Is South Dakota a good place to live for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does the South Dakota salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in South Dakota is $43,110, which is higher than the national average of $41,160.

What is the concentration of these jobs in South Dakota?

South Dakota has a Location Quotient of 1.51 for these occupations, indicating a concentration 51% higher than the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in South Dakota?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, South Dakota is more affordable than the national average, making the $43,110 salary more valuable in terms of purchasing power.

How many people work in these occupations in South Dakota?

There are approximately 1,970 individuals employed in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in South Dakota.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,970 employees in the South Dakota area with a job density of 4.341 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Dakota