Sanford Underground Salary

How much does the Sanford Underground Pay for employees?

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. Sanford Underground’s salaries are influenced by a wide range of factors including job role, department, years of experience, and location.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.

How Much Does Sanford Underground Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Sanford Underground. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for popular roles within the company, helping you benchmark potential earnings. Use 'View by Card/Table' option to find the data most relevant to your career path.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.
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Current Job Openings at Sanford Underground

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Sanford Underground. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is Sanford Underground’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Sanford Underground’s compensation stack up against the market? This analysis visualizes their hourly average salary compared to its industry benchmark and key peer companies.
Peer Company & Industry Benchmarking
180k
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Average Salary ($/year)
Sanford Underground
Business Services
AG &amp
Wanglife Health Science Inc
Industry Comparison
Our data shows that, on average, compensation at Sanford Underground is below the average for the U.S. Business Services industry by approximately 34%. This positioning suggests their pay is below the market average within their sector.
Peer Company Comparison
To provide a broader market perspective, we compared Sanford Underground average annual salary with several similar companies. Sanford Underground average salary of $80,291 is lower than AG &amp, which has an average salary of $102,495. It is lower than Wanglife Health Science Inc, with their average salary at $105,322. This places Sanford Underground in a developing position among its peers.
See Your True Competitors
The companies behind the question marks could be hiring your best people. Don't operate with incomplete data. Unlock your full competitive view with Salary.com for Business to precisely benchmark salaries, benefits, and more against your true competitors.

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.