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Water Resource Specialists Salary in SD

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Water Resource Specialists in SD have a median annual salary of $128,140, with 180 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $94,520 at the 10th percentile to $213,210 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$128,140

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$61.61

Employment

180

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$94,520
10th
$106,470
25th
$128,140
Median
$151,830
75th
$213,210
90th

Local compared with national

SD

$128,140

Median annual · 2025

United States

$167,220

Median annual · 2025

The SD median is 23.4% below the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $39,080).

Top skills

  1. 1.Reading ComprehensionImportance 4.0
  2. 2.Active ListeningImportance 4.0
  3. 3.WritingImportance 4.0
  4. 4.SpeakingImportance 4.0
  5. 5.Critical ThinkingImportance 4.0
  6. 6.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.9
  7. 7.Time ManagementImportance 3.9
  8. 8.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.8
  9. 9.Systems AnalysisImportance 3.6
  10. 10.Systems EvaluationImportance 3.6
  11. 11.MathematicsImportance 3.3
  12. 12.Active LearningImportance 3.3

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
None
Job zone
4

Technology used

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Database software
  • DHI MIKE URBAN
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • ESRI ArcGIS Spatial Analyst
  • ESRI ArcInfo
  • ESRI ArcPad
  • ESRI ArcView
  • ESRI ArcView 3D Analyst
  • FishXing
  • Geographic information system GIS software
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • Global positioning system GPS software
  • Google Earth Pro
  • HEC-HMS

Common tasks

  • Perform hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality modeling.
  • Analyze storm water systems to identify opportunities for water resource improvements.
  • Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, investigations on matters such as water storage, wastewater discharge, pollutants, permits, or other compliance and regulatory issues.
  • Develop strategies for watershed operations to meet water supply and conservation goals or to ensure regulatory compliance with clean water laws or regulations.
  • Conduct technical studies for water resources on topics such as pollutants and water treatment options.
  • Review or evaluate designs for water detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities, or other hydraulic structures.
  • Present water resource proposals to government, public interest groups, or community groups.
  • Develop plans to protect watershed health or rehabilitate watersheds.
  • Write proposals, project reports, informational brochures, or other documents on wastewater purification, water supply and demand, or other water resource subjects.
  • Conduct cost-benefit studies for watershed improvement projects or water management alternatives.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Water Resource Specialists salary in other locations

Other occupations in SD