As of August 01, 2026, the average annual salary for marine biologist entry level in South Dakota is $46,155, equivalent to $22 per hour, $888 weekly, or $3,846 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for marine biologist entry level in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for marine biologist entry level in South Dakota vary widely, spanning from $36,372 to $54,105. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($41,035) and 75th percentile ($50,317), while top earners (90th percentile) make $54,105 per year. This $9,282 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Microbiology, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, South Dakota marine biologist entry level often earn 9.1% lower than national averages due to demand from Fortune 44 companies. However, South Dakota currently ranks 48 nationwide for marine biologist entry level job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
marine biologist entry level Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile marine biologist entry level Salary $36,372 SD August 01, 2026
25th Percentile marine biologist entry level Salary $41,035 SD August 01, 2026
50th Percentile marine biologist entry level Salary $46,155 SD August 01, 2026
75th Percentile marine biologist entry level Salary $50,317 SD August 01, 2026
90th Percentile marine biologist entry level Salary $54,105 SD August 01, 2026
25% $41,035 10% $36,372 90% $54,105 75% $50,317 $46,155 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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What is A marine biologist entry level ?

An entry-level marine biologist typically focuses on studying marine organisms and their ecosystems. Responsibilities may include conducting field research, collecting and analyzing data, and assisting in laboratory experiments. Entry-level positions often involve supporting senior scientists in various projects, which may include monitoring marine life, assessing environmental impacts, and contributing to conservation efforts. The salary for an entry-level marine biologist generally ranges from $40,000 to $55,000 annually, depending on factors such as location, educational background, and t...

Source: (as of 06/04/2025). Read more from

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Location Avg. Salary Date Updated
Location Deadwood, SD Avg. Salary $62,287 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Pierre, SD Avg. Salary $58,130 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Watertown, SD Avg. Salary $63,935 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Aberdeen, SD Avg. Salary $63,827 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Agar, SD Avg. Salary $59,643 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Akaska, SD Avg. Salary $63,257 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Alcester, SD Avg. Salary $63,358 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Alexandria, SD Avg. Salary $63,572 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Allen, SD Avg. Salary $63,148 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Location Alpena, SD Avg. Salary $63,680 Date Updated August 01, 2026
Job Openings for marine biologist entry level in South Dakota

Career Path for this job

  1. This Job:

    marine biologist entry level

    0 - 2 years experience
    JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent

  2. Up a level:

    Biologist II

    2 - 4 years experience
    JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent

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