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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Chemist in South Dakota is $58,297 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, an Entry Level Chemist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Entry Level Chemist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $63,723 | $5,310 | $1,225 | $31 |
| Average | $58,297 | $4,858 | $1,121 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,169 | $4,264 | $984 | $25 |
Dakota Bodies - Watertown, SD
GPAC - Salem, SD
Safeway - RAPID CITY, SD
Rustman Agency - Rapid City, SD
An Entry Level Chemist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Level Chemist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Lev... Level Entry Level Chemist | $59,782 |
| Chemist I... Level Entry Level Chemist | $74,147 |
| Chemist I... Level Entry Level Chemist | $89,852 |
| Chemist I... Level Entry Level Chemist | $117,839 |
| Chemist V... Level Entry Level Chemist | $137,593 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Level Chemists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Entry Level Chemist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Entry Level Chemist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Level Chemist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $87,445 | $42.0 | 50% |
| Software & Networking | $81,615 | $39.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $75,786 | $36.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $69,956 | $34.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $69,956 | $34.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Entry Level Chemist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $63,723 | $5,310 | $1,225 | $31 |
| Average | $58,297 | $4,858 | $1,121 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,169 | $4,264 | $984 | $25 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Level Chemist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Aire Serv of the Sioux Empire
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Aire Serv of the Sioux Empire | Sioux Falls, SD
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West Dakota Dental Partners
Rapid City, SD
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Aerotek
Sioux Falls, SD
Aerotek | Sioux Falls, SD
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Safeway
SPEARFISH, SD
Safeway | SPEARFISH, SD
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Stratford Davis
Sioux Falls, SD
Stratford Davis | Sioux Falls, SD
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1 Day Ago
Comfort Heroes Plumbing, Heating & Air
Sioux Falls, SD
Comfort Heroes Plumbing, Heating & Air | Sioux Falls, SD
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