Sanford Underground Salary

As of August 2026, the average hourly salary for employees at Sanford Underground in the United States is $39. This translates to an approximate annual wage of $80,291. Salaries at Sanford Underground typically range from $34 to $44 hourly, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Sanford Underground

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Is Sanford Underground’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Sanford Underground's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
AG &amp $49
+27.7%
Supported by AG &amp's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
Wanglife Health Science Inc $51
+31.2%
Reflects a supply-demand imbalance for the specific talent Wanglife Health Science Inc targets.
Institute For US Cuba Relatns $50
+29.2%
Data suggests Institute For US Cuba Relatns's workforce skews heavily towards veteran, high-tenure roles.
California Path $53
+38.0%
Adjusted for higher cost-of-living indices in California Path's primary metro hubs.
Business Services Industry $59
+50.6%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Sanford Underground

Considering a career at Sanford Underground? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
The leadership truly listens and acts. They deliver consistent results with minimal supervision. Clear goals, great mentorship, and recognition make this a standout workplace. The work-life balance is fantastic.
The company offers thoughtful leadership. Supportive colleagues and a decent benefits package, though nothing stands out. I feel valued, challenged, and motivated every day to contribute my best. While that structure suits some, others might find it isolating. Standard business solutions. Supportive leadership and flexible hours. This company’s values align with mine, particularly regarding ethica...
This company is driven by a strong vision and strategic clarity, which makes it easier to align individual goals with broader organizational success. Colleagues are supportive, and performance is recognized through both peer and management programs. Knowing we're making a real impact for our clients makes the hard work worthwhile every day. While that’s a plus for reliability, it sometimes feels u...
Plenty of work, but recognition is lacking. It’s a good place to work, though not without minor challenges. It keeps the team motivated and feeling valued. It’s reassuring to know that my family will be taken care of in any eventuality.
The culture is respectful but leans conservative in terms of change. It makes coming to work enjoyable. The leadership here takes employee feedback seriously. Management is great at celebrating wins, big or small. Trustworthy and dependable.

Sanford Underground Overview

Website
www.sanfordlab.org
Founded In
2006
Employees
50 - 100 employees
Industry
Business Services
Headquarter Address
630 E Summit St Lead South Dakota SD 57754
Revenue
<$5 Million
Phone Number
+1 6057228650
Social Media
About Sanford Underground
The Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) is operated by the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) with funding from the Department of Energys Office of Science. Our mission is to advance world class science and inspire learning across generations. Located in Lead, South Dakota, SURF advances our understanding of the universe by providing laboratory space deep underground, w

What Benefits Does Sanford Underground Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Sanford Underground offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Rapid City?

Understanding the cost of living near Rapid City is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Sanford Underground.
Rapid City's Cost of Living Index is approximately 94.7 (5.3% less expensive than US average; 1.6% more than SD average). Western SD city (Black Hills, Ellsworth AFB), housing near US avg. RapidRide. When planning your budget based on a salary from Sanford Underground, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $950 - $1,500+ A significant portion of Sanford Underground salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $110 - $200 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $25 (RapidRide monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $400 - $590 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $360 - $680+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $380 - $700+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,225 - $3,675+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Sanford Underground

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Sanford Underground?

The typical salary range for most roles at Sanford Underground is approximately from $34 to $44 per hour. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does Sanford Underground pay compared to AG &?

The average annual salary at Sanford Underground is $80,291, or an hourly wage of $39, in comparison to AG & which pays $102,495 per year or $49 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Sanford Underground?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Sanford Underground due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. How does experience level affect salary at Sanford Underground?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Sanford Underground, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Sanford Underground in Rapid City is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Sanford Underground in Rapid City is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Sanford Underground and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Rapid City" to understand its purchasing power.

6. Why might an individual's actual salary at Sanford Underground differ from the ranges shown here?

An individual's actual salary at Sanford Underground can differ from our estimated ranges due to various factors. These include their specific years of experience in the role, unique skills or certifications, educational background, performance record, the specific team or department they join, negotiation outcomes, and even the precise timing of when they were hired relative to market fluctuations. Our ranges represent typical compensation.