Animal Breeder salary in South Dakota
Animal Breeders in South Dakota earn a median of $44,850 a year ($21.56 an hour), based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,480 for the lowest-paid 10% to $48,750 for the top 10%. That is 12% lower than the national median of $51,130. South Dakota ranks 8th of 9 states for animal breeders pay. There are 0.09 animal breeders per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 10.7× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $44,170, close to the median.
Pay range for animal breeders in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,480 | $18.50 |
| 25th percentile | $43,260 | $20.80 |
| Median | $44,850 | $21.56 |
| 75th percentile | $45,980 | $22.10 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $48,750 | $23.44 |
| Average (mean) | $44,170 | $21.23 |
Half of animal breeders earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,737.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,868.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,725 |
| Weekly | $862.50 |
| Hourly | $21.56 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $44,850 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Dakota at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Highest-paying states for animal breeders
Related jobs in South Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products | $39,900 | $19.18 |
| Agricultural Equipment Operator | $48,060 | $23.11 |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | $42,260 | $20.32 |
| Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals | $38,000 | $18.27 |
| Forest and Conservation Workers | $38,210 | $18.37 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers | $57,880 | $27.83 |
| Logging Equipment Operator | $58,740 | $28.24 |
More: Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations · all salaries in South Dakota
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 45-2021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a animal breeder make in South Dakota?
The median salary for animal breeders in South Dakota is $44,850 a year, or $21.56 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,480 for the lowest-paid 10% to $48,750 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal breeders make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of animal breeders in South Dakota earn at least $48,750 a year. The top 25% earn $45,980 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal breeders in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,480 a year, and a quarter of animal breeders earn $43,260 or less.
How many animal breeders work in South Dakota?
About 40 animal breeders are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.