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Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary in South Dakota

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in South Dakota?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$60,740
Median Annual Salary
▲ +0.7% vs 2024
$64,320
Mean Salary
$60,740
Median Salary
$29.20
Hourly Rate
2,000 people work as Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in South Dakota

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary by percentile in South Dakota

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary in South Dakota — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in South Dakota.10thBottom 10% earn less than $47,540$47,54025th25% earn less than $52,330$52,330MedianHalf earn more than $60,740$60,74075th75% earn less than $72,000$72,00090thTop 10% earn more than $91,900$91,900

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in South Dakota earn a median salary of $60,740 per year ($5,061/month). This is 18.1% below the national average of $74,181. South Dakota ranks #38 out of 51 states for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers pay. Approximately 2,000 people work in this occupation across South Dakota. Salaries increased by 0.7% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.

Top Skills

Active Listening
4.0
Speaking
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Reading Comprehension
3.88
Social Perceptiveness
3.88

Key Knowledge Areas

Public Safety and Security
4.83
Law and Government
4.82
English Language
4.26
Psychology
4.09
Customer and Personal Service
3.98
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (40.4% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in South Dakota

Salaries for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in South Dakota range from $47,540 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $91,900 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $52,330 and $72,000.

Median $60,740
P10: $47,540 P25: $52,330 P75: $72,000 P90: $91,900
10th
$47,540
25th
$52,330
Median
$60,740
75th
$72,000
90th
$91,900
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $47,540 $22.86 $3,961
25th Percentile $52,330 $25.16 $4,360
Median (50th) $60,740 $29.20 $5,061
75th Percentile $72,000 $34.62 $6,000
90th Percentile (Experienced) $91,900 $44.18 $7,658

Note: The mean (average) salary of $64,320 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#38
South Dakota ranks #38 of 51 states
$74,181
National avg. for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
-18.1%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in South Dakota:

What does this salary really buy? See Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers salary in South Dakota adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers take-home pay in South Dakota after taxes →

Explore Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Data in South Dakota

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers Salary by State

Compare Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in South Dakota is $60,740 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $64,320.
What is the salary range for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in South Dakota?
Salaries for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in South Dakota range from $47,540 at the 10th percentile to $91,900 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $52,330 and $72,000.
What is the starting salary for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in South Dakota?
Entry-level Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers positions in South Dakota typically start around $47,540 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $52,330 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,000 people are employed as Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers in South Dakota is approximately $29.20 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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