South Dakota ranks 28th of 51 states and D.C. for lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($58,640) by $28,790 — a 96% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $26,520 to $36,030 — a $9,510 spread, 52% tighter than the national $19,740 range.
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers are more concentrated in South Dakota than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.25 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.25× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $26,520 | $12.75 |
| 25th percentile | $27,920 | $13.43 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $29,850 | $14.35 |
| 75th percentile | $34,420 | $16.55 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $36,030 | $17.32 |
| Mean (average) | $31,140 | $14.97 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $29,850 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $58,640 | +96% |
| Hawaii | $55,540 | +86% |
| California | $42,520 | +42% |
| Washington | $38,510 | +29% |
| Massachusetts | $36,830 | +23% |
| Colorado | $36,290 | +22% |
| Rhode Island | $36,090 | +21% |
| New York | $35,890 | +20% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Food Preparation Workers | $29,820 | 3,320 |
| Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | $29,790 | 1,760 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $29,750 | 1,240 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | $29,480 | 14,420 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $29,470 | 400 |
| Animal Caretakers | $29,460 | 1,030 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers salary in South Dakota?
The mean lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers salary in South Dakota is $31,140 per year. The median (middle) salary is $29,850 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers in South Dakota?
Entry-level lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workerss (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $26,520 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $27,920 per year.
What is the highest Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $36,030 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $34,420 per year.
How does the South Dakota Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median lifeguards, ski patrol, and other recreational protective service workers salary in South Dakota is $29,850, which is -11% below national average of $33,720.