South Dakota ranks 39th of 50 states and D.C. for detectives and criminal investigators pay, trailing top-paying Maryland ($125,630) by $48,190 — a 62% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $59,540 to $142,190 — a $82,650 spread, 21% tighter than the national $105,250 range.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators are less concentrated in South Dakota than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.69 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.45× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $59,540 | $28.63 |
| 25th percentile | $65,700 | $31.59 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $77,440 | $37.23 |
| 75th percentile | $108,700 | $52.26 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $142,190 | $68.36 |
| Mean (average) | $90,250 | $43.39 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $77,440 | n/a |
| Maryland | $125,630 | +62% |
| California | $122,140 | +58% |
| Alaska | $121,140 | +56% |
| Washington | $116,450 | +50% |
| New Jersey | $113,830 | +47% |
| Hawaii | $112,100 | +45% |
| Massachusetts | $111,460 | +44% |
| Virginia | $110,220 | +42% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Accountants and Auditors | $77,310 | 5,950 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $77,070 | 130 |
| School Psychologists | $76,990 | 130 |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $78,140 | N/A |
| Labor Relations Specialists | $78,180 | 90 |
| Loan Officers | $78,590 | 1,930 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in South Dakota?
The mean detectives and criminal investigators salary in South Dakota is $90,250 per year. The median (middle) salary is $77,440 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Detectives and Criminal Investigators in South Dakota?
Entry-level detectives and criminal investigatorss (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $59,540 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $65,700 per year.
What is the highest Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $142,190 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $108,700 per year.
How does the South Dakota Detectives and Criminal Investigators salary compare to the national average?
The median detectives and criminal investigators salary in South Dakota is $77,440, which is -17% below national average of $93,580.