Animal Research Associate Salary in South Dakota

How much does an Animal Research Associate make in South Dakota? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Animal Research Associate in South Dakota is $134,827 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $65.

However, an Animal Research Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $173,298
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $121,248 to $154,964
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $108,886

Key Factors That Influence Animal Research Associate Salaries

An Animal Research Associate'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.

How Experience Level Affects Animal Research Associate Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Animal Research Associate'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $124,887
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $125,845
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $127,759
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $130,632
  • Expert (over 8 years): $137,624
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Animal Research Associate less than 1 year $124,887
Early Career Level Animal Research Associate 1-2 years $125,845
Mid-Level Level Animal Research Associate 2-4 years $127,759
Senior-Level Level Animal Research Associate 5-8 years $130,632
Expert Level Animal Research Associate over 8 years $137,624

Top Paying Cities for Animal Research Associate

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:

  • Alcester: $136,232
  • Aurora: $136,956
  • Baltic: $135,483

Animal Research Associate Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Animal Research Associate roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 25% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Pharmaceuticals, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Animal Research Associate positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Animal Research Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Animal Research Associate

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals $148,310 $71.0 10%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit $141,568 $68.0 5%

Animal Research Associate Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Animal Research Associate'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$121,248
Average $134,827/year
$154,964
$10,104
Average $11,236/month
$12,914
$2,332
Average $2,593/week
$2,980
$58
Average $65/hour
$75
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $154,964 $12,914 $2,980 $75
Average $134,827 $11,236 $2,593 $65
25th Percentile $121,248 $10,104 $2,332 $58

Find Your Next Animal Research Associate Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Animal Research Associate job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • University of Pittsburgh | OAKLAND, PA

    University of Pittsburgh | OAKLAND, PA

    Animal Care Technician I DLAR-Animal Husbandry - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26005086) The Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) Animal Care Techni... more

    5 Days Ago

  • All Dogs&Cats Veterinary Hospital | CARDIFF, CO

    All Dogs&Cats Veterinary Hospital | CARDIFF, CO

    All Dogs & Cats Veterinary Hospital in Glenwood Springs, CO is seeking a full-time Veterinarian to join our client-centered, compassionate small animal tea... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine | CORAL GABLES, FL

    Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine | CORAL GABLES, FL

    Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine seeks a Small Animal Surgery Faculty member to teach, mentor, and conduct research in a student-centered, glo... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine | HIALEAH GARDENS, FL

    Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine | HIALEAH GARDENS, FL

    Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine seeks a Small Animal Surgery Faculty member to teach, mentor, and conduct research in a student-centered, glo... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine | CROSSINGS, FL

    Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine | CROSSINGS, FL

    Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine seeks a Small Animal Surgery Faculty member to teach, mentor, and conduct research in a student-centered, glo... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine | CARL FISHER, FL

    Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine | CARL FISHER, FL

    Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine seeks a Small Animal Surgery Faculty member to teach, mentor, and conduct research in a student-centered, glo... more

    3 Days Ago

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