SalaryNode

Average Forest and Conservation Workers Salary in South Dakota

Forest and Conservation Workers in South Dakota earn an average annual salary of $39,070. This figure is notably below the national average of $43,400, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's natural resource sector. The compensation is influenced by the unique landscape and conservation needs prevalent in South Dakota.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $39,070 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,800.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 670 individuals, the Forest and Conservation Worker sector in South Dakota represents a significant, albeit specialized, segment of the state's employment landscape. The high Location Quotient of 40.33 indicates a strong concentration of these roles relative to the national average, suggesting robust local demand and a specialized job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$39,070

The average Forest and Conservation Workers in South Dakota earns-10.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.8

Weekly

$751

Monthly

$3,256

Forest and Conservation Workers Salary Distribution in South Dakota

Career progression for Forest and Conservation Workers in South Dakota typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive field experience can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$33,600$16.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$29,303$14.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$37,690$18.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$48,838$23.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$46,800$22.5

Detailed Forest and Conservation Workers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$39,070

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$42,560

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $39,070 in South Dakota for Forest and Conservation Workers is complemented by a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers a relatively strong purchasing power within the state, making the take-home pay potentially more valuable than the raw number suggests when compared to higher-cost regions.

Job Market Context

670

Total Jobs

1.472

Per 1K Jobs

40.33

Location Quotient

Major Hub

South Dakota has 40.3x the national concentration of Forest and Conservation Workers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

South Dakota exhibits an exceptionally high Location Quotient of 40.33 for Forest and Conservation Workers, far exceeding the national average of 1.0. This indicates a highly concentrated job market, suggesting that the state is a key area for this profession, with a disproportionately large number of these workers compared to the national distribution. This concentration points to specialized industry needs and a potentially competitive environment for new entrants.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Forest and Conservation Workerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Forest and Conservation Workers make in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for a Forest and Conservation Workers in South Dakota is $39,070. This typically ranges from $33,600 for entry-level positions to $46,800 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in South Dakota is 10.0% lower than the national median of $43,400.

Is South Dakota a lucrative place for Forest and Conservation Workerss?

No, but cost of living offers value.While the average salary of $39,070 is below the national average, South Dakota's lower cost of living (91.8) means the salary can provide a good standard of living. The high concentration of jobs (LQ 40.33) indicates strong demand within the state.

Is South Dakota a good place to live for Forest and Conservation Workers?

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 Forest and Conservation Workers in South Dakota is $39,070, which is lower than the national average of $43,400.

What is the concentration of Forest and Conservation Workers in South Dakota?

South Dakota has a very high concentration of Forest and Conservation Workers, indicated by a Location Quotient of 40.33, meaning the profession is significantly more prevalent there than the national average.

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

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, South Dakota is more affordable than the national average (100), making the $39,070 salary potentially stretch further for residents.

What is the total number of Forest and Conservation Workers in South Dakota?

There are approximately 670 Forest and Conservation Workers employed 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 670 employees in the South Dakota area with a job density of 1.472 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Forest and Conservation Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Dakota