South Dakota ranks 39th of 51 states and D.C. for police and sheriff's patrol officers pay, trailing top-paying California ($115,400) by $55,100 — a 91% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $46,940 to $83,640 — a $36,700 spread, 46% tighter than the national $67,640 range.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $46,940 | $22.57 |
| 25th percentile | $51,600 | $24.81 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $60,300 | $28.99 |
| 75th percentile | $67,690 | $32.54 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $83,640 | $40.21 |
| Mean (average) | $62,940 | $30.26 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $60,300 | n/a |
| California | $115,400 | +91% |
| Washington | $102,640 | +70% |
| Illinois | $101,530 | +68% |
| Alaska | $100,300 | +66% |
| Colorado | $96,100 | +59% |
| New York | $93,050 | +54% |
| Hawaii | $89,390 | +48% |
| New Jersey | $89,030 | +48% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Writers | $60,310 | 100 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment | $60,150 | 430 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers | $60,550 | 90 |
| Food Service Managers | $60,600 | 1,200 |
| Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers | $59,700 | 560 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $59,690 | 1,270 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary in South Dakota?
The mean police and sheriff's patrol officers salary in South Dakota is $62,940 per year. The median (middle) salary is $60,300 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in South Dakota?
Entry-level police and sheriff's patrol officerss (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $46,940 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $51,600 per year.
What is the highest Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $83,640 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $67,690 per year.
How does the South Dakota Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary compare to the national average?
The median police and sheriff's patrol officers salary in South Dakota is $60,300, which is -21% below national average of $76,290.