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Private Detectives and Investigators Employment & Job Outlook in South Dakota (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

South Dakota employs 60 Private Detectives and Investigators professionals, below the national average concentration.

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 • South Dakota employment outlook • Updated 2026-05-19

Total Employed
60
professionals
Jobs per 1,000
0.06
workers
Location Quotient
0.08
vs national avg
Average Salary
$44K
annual

Below Average Demand in South Dakota

The location quotient (LQ) of 0.08 indicates that South Dakota has a below-average concentration of Private Detectives and Investigators professionals. This may suggest fewer local opportunities compared to other states, though national trends should also be considered.

Note: Location Quotient (LQ) is the ratio of the percentage of workers in an occupation in a given area to the percentage in that occupation nationwide. An LQ > 1.0 means above-average concentration; < 1.0 means below-average.

South Dakota vs National Average

Total Employed
60
National: 35,350
0.2% of national
Jobs per 1,000
0.06
National: 0.72
-91.7%
Average Salary
$44K
National: $58K
-23.9%

Top States by Private Detectives and Investigators Employment

#1
4,190
4,190
employed
#2
3,660
3,660
employed
#3
3,220
3,220
employed
#4
1,710
1,710
employed
#5
1,560
1,560
employed
#6
1,460
1,460
employed
#7
1,300
1,300
employed
#8
1,300
1,300
employed
#9
1,280
1,280
employed
#10
1,220
1,220
employed

What Does a Private Detectives and Investigators Earn in South Dakota?

The average annual salary for a Private Detectives and Investigators in South Dakota is $44,210. For a detailed breakdown by percentile, entry-level, median, and senior salaries, see the comprehensive salary guide below.

View full salary breakdown →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Private Detectives and Investigators jobs are there in South Dakota?

South Dakota employs approximately 60 Private Detectives and Investigators professionals (2025 BLS data). This ranks South Dakota for this occupation nationwide.

Is Private Detectives and Investigators in demand in South Dakota?

South Dakota has average or below-average concentration of Private Detectives and Investigators jobs (LQ: 0.08). A Location Quotient above 1.0 indicates higher-than-average demand.

What is the average salary for Private Detectives and Investigators in South Dakota?

The average (mean) salary for Private Detectives and Investigators in South Dakota is $44210/year. See our detailed salary page for percentile breakdowns.

What is a Location Quotient (LQ)?

Location Quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is in a state compared to the national average. LQ > 1.0 means the state has more of that job proportionally. LQ > 1.2 indicates strong demand.

Which states employ the most Private Detectives and Investigators professionals?

The top state for Private Detectives and Investigators employment is California with 4,190 jobs.

Find Your Next Opportunity

Related Pages

Top Cities in South Dakota

Explore cost of living, median household income, and demographics for South Dakota's largest cities.

Top Colleges in South Dakota

Compare tuition, admissions, and graduate outcomes at South Dakota's leading institutions.

Private Detectives and Investigators Employment in Other States

Compare Private Detectives and Investigators labor-market data (jobs, location quotient, salary) across the top-employing states.

All Private Detectives and Investigators & South Dakota Resources

Drill deeper into Private Detectives and Investigators pay, hiring, and education data for South Dakota.

Data Source

Employment and location quotient data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) 2025. This data reflects total employment, jobs per 1,000 workers, location quotient, and average salary for Private Detectives and Investigators (SOC 339021) in South Dakota.

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