Police Officer Salary in South Dakota
Based on 2K+ workers in South Dakota
Median Annual Salary (SD)
$60,740
$29.20/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
-18.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $92K
2K employed in South Dakota
The median Police Officer salary in South Dakota is $60,740 per year, or approximately $29 per hour. This figure is 18.1% lower than the national average, with around 2,000 individuals employed in this role across the state. The reported salary range for Police Officers in South Dakota falls between $47,540 and $91,900 annually.
Several factors can influence the specific Police Officer salary in South Dakota. These may include years of experience, the size and specific needs of the law enforcement agency, the cost of living in a particular city or county, and any additional certifications or specialized training an officer possesses. Higher levels of experience or roles with greater responsibility often command salaries at the upper end of the provided range.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in South Dakota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,540 |
| 25th percentile | $52,330 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $60,740 |
| 75th percentile | $72,000 |
| 90th percentile | $91,900 |
Top-Paying Industries for Police Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Police Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Police Officers in South Dakota tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $98,750 | — |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $83,620 | 370 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $76,520 | 642K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $65,640 | 3K |
| Educational Services | $62,110 | 24K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Police Officer in South Dakota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Dakota) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $60,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,562 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Dakota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $60,740 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,562 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $52,330 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $60,740 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $72,000 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $91,900 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in South Dakota
How other high-demand occupations in South Dakota compare to Police Officer ($60,740 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in SD | $48,160 | -20.7% | $23.15/hr |
| Security Guard in SD | $37,150 | -38.8% | $17.86/hr |
| Producer and Director in SD | $60,260 | -0.8% | $28.97/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in SD | $60,110 | -1.0% | $28.90/hr |
| Electrician in SD | $61,390 | +1.1% | $29.51/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in SD | $61,570 | +1.4% | $29.60/hr |
| Title Examiner in SD | $59,300 | -2.4% | $28.51/hr |
| Truck Driver in SD | $58,690 | -3.4% | $28.22/hr |
| Paralegal in SD | $58,320 | -4.0% | $28.04/hr |
| Computer Programmer in SD | $58,240 | -4.1% | $28.00/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in SD | $63,490 | +4.5% | $30.52/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in SD | $57,910 | -4.7% | $27.84/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a Police Officer in South Dakota?
- The median Police Officer salary in South Dakota is $60,740 per year. This equates to an hourly wage of roughly $29. The salary range for these positions can vary, with most officers earning between $47,540 and $91,900 annually.
How does the Police Officer salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?
- Police Officer salaries in South Dakota are 18.1% lower than the national average. While the median salary is $60,740 per year, the national median is significantly higher, making South Dakota a more budget-friendly state for this profession.
What is the salary range for Police Officers in South Dakota?
- The salary for a Police Officer in South Dakota typically ranges from $47,540 on the lower end to $91,900 on the higher end annually. The median salary falls within this spectrum at $60,740 per year.
How many Police Officers are employed in South Dakota?
- There are approximately 2,000 Police Officers employed in South Dakota. This number contributes to the overall salary landscape, with the median earning being $60,740 per year.