South Dakota ranks 39th of 51 states and D.C. for public safety telecommunicators pay, trailing top-paying California ($78,210) by $33,030 — a 73% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $34,800 to $58,560 — a $23,760 spread, 44% tighter than the national $42,470 range.
Public Safety Telecommunicators are more concentrated in South Dakota than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.55 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.55× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $34,800 | $16.73 |
| 25th percentile | $40,390 | $19.42 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $45,180 | $21.72 |
| 75th percentile | $48,850 | $23.49 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $58,560 | $28.16 |
| Mean (average) | $45,680 | $21.96 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $45,180 | n/a |
| California | $78,210 | +73% |
| Washington | $77,310 | +71% |
| Oregon | $70,690 | +56% |
| Minnesota | $64,920 | +44% |
| Alaska | $63,390 | +40% |
| Connecticut | $63,210 | +40% |
| Colorado | $62,460 | +38% |
| Illinois | $59,860 | +32% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers | $45,150 | 2,270 |
| Parts Salespersons | $45,140 | 1,960 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $45,220 | 300 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $45,050 | 260 |
| Loan Interviewers and Clerks | $44,930 | 1,660 |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | $44,780 | 9,830 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Public Safety Telecommunicators salary in South Dakota?
The mean public safety telecommunicators salary in South Dakota is $45,680 per year. The median (middle) salary is $45,180 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Public Safety Telecommunicators in South Dakota?
Entry-level public safety telecommunicatorss (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $34,800 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $40,390 per year.
What is the highest Public Safety Telecommunicators salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $58,560 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $48,850 per year.
How does the South Dakota Public Safety Telecommunicators salary compare to the national average?
The median public safety telecommunicators salary in South Dakota is $45,180, which is -11% below national average of $50,730.