Security Guard Salary in South Dakota
Based on 1K+ workers in South Dakota
Median Annual Salary (SD)
$37,150
$17.86/hr
vs National Average
$39,375
-5.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$30K – $60K
1K employed in South Dakota
The median Security Guard salary in South Dakota is $37,150 per year, which equates to about $18 per hour. This figure is 5.7% lower than the national average, reflecting regional economic conditions and demand for security professionals within the state. The typical salary range falls between $30,060 and $59,840 annually.
Several factors influence an individual's Security Guard salary in South Dakota. Experience level, specific employer, geographic location within the state, and any specialized certifications or skills can all contribute to variations in pay. The total number of employed security guards in South Dakota is approximately 1,460.
Salary Distribution — Security Guard in South Dakota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $30,060 |
| 25th percentile | $32,190 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $37,150 |
| 75th percentile | $45,190 |
| 90th percentile | $59,840 |
Top-Paying Industries for Security Guard (U.S.)
Which industries pay Security Guards the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Security Guards in South Dakota tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $66,720 | 5K |
| Finance and Insurance | $57,380 | 4K |
| Information | $47,900 | 3K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $47,230 | 10K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $46,450 | 33K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Security Guard in South Dakota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Dakota) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,150 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,265 |
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 | $37,150 | $39,375 |
| 2026 (projected) | $38,265 | $40,556 |
Security Guard Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $32,190 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $37,150 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $45,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $59,840 |
Security Guard Salary in Other States
Related Security Guard Salaries in South Dakota
How other high-demand occupations in South Dakota compare to Security Guard ($37,150 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Security Guard | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in SD | $60,740 | +63.5% | $29.20/hr |
| Firefighter in SD | $48,160 | +29.6% | $23.15/hr |
| Stocker and Order Filler in SD | $37,650 | +1.3% | $18.10/hr |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aide in SD | $37,740 | +1.6% | $18.14/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in SD | $37,860 | +1.9% | $18.20/hr |
| Restaurant Cook in SD | $36,220 | -2.5% | $17.41/hr |
| Receptionist in SD | $38,280 | +3.0% | $18.40/hr |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) in SD | $38,800 | +4.4% | $18.65/hr |
| Retail Salesperson in SD | $34,370 | -7.5% | $16.52/hr |
| Customer Service Representative in SD | $40,650 | +9.4% | $19.54/hr |
| Administrative Assistant in SD | $41,700 | +12.2% | $20.05/hr |
| Medical Assistant in SD | $41,870 | +12.7% | $20.13/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Security Guard in South Dakota?
- The salary range for a Security Guard in South Dakota generally falls between $30,060 and $59,840 annually. This indicates that while the median is $37,150, there are opportunities for both lower and higher earnings depending on various factors.
How does the average Security Guard pay in South Dakota compare to the national average?
- Security Guard salaries in South Dakota are approximately 5.7% lower than the national average. This means that on average, security guards in South Dakota earn less than their counterparts across the rest of the United States.
What is the median hourly wage for a Security Guard in South Dakota?
- The median hourly wage for a Security Guard in South Dakota is around $18. This figure is derived from the annual median salary of $37,150 and represents the midpoint earnings for the profession within the state.
How many Security Guards are employed in South Dakota?
- There are approximately 1,460 individuals employed as Security Guards in South Dakota. This number provides context for the overall job market and demand for these services within the state.