South Dakota ranks 37th of 51 states and D.C. for security guards pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($63,130) by $26,120 — a 71% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $30,020 to $50,190 — a $20,170 spread, 32% tighter than the national $29,780 range.
Security Guards are less concentrated in South Dakota than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.39 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 2.56× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $30,020 | $14.43 |
| 25th percentile | $33,370 | $16.04 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $37,010 | $17.79 |
| 75th percentile | $43,160 | $20.75 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $50,190 | $24.13 |
| Mean (average) | $39,340 | $18.91 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $37,010 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $63,130 | +71% |
| Alaska | $48,620 | +31% |
| Washington | $48,010 | +30% |
| Colorado | $46,080 | +25% |
| Minnesota | $46,020 | +24% |
| Massachusetts | $44,950 | +21% |
| New Hampshire | $44,510 | +20% |
| California | $43,930 | +19% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | $36,990 | 130 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $36,990 | 12,150 |
| Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | $36,980 | 210 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $36,960 | 960 |
| Tellers | $37,120 | 1,630 |
| Bakers | $36,850 | 350 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Security Guards salary in South Dakota?
The mean security guards salary in South Dakota is $39,340 per year. The median (middle) salary is $37,010 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Security Guards in South Dakota?
Entry-level security guardss (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $30,020 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $33,370 per year.
What is the highest Security Guards salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $50,190 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $43,160 per year.
How does the South Dakota Security Guards salary compare to the national average?
The median security guards salary in South Dakota is $37,010, which is -4% below national average of $38,370.