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State comparison · 2025

Environmental Scientists and Specialists salary: District of Columbia vs South Dakota

Occupation

Environmental Scientists and Specialists in District of Columbia earn a median of $132,620. In South Dakota, $68,230. After cost-of-living, the gap is 56.7% — not 94.4%.

Nominal pay gap
+94.4%
District of Columbia vs South Dakota
COL-adjusted gap
+56.7%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

District of Columbia

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Median
$132,620
p25
$98,410
p75
$161,470
p10
$78,270
p90
$185,220
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
109.9
Hiring velocity (180d)
-67%
See full breakdown for District of Columbia

South Dakota

Environmental Scientists and Specialists

Median
$68,230
p25
$62,910
p75
$79,880
p10
$49,390
p90
$97,060
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
88.6
See full breakdown for South Dakota

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.