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Security Guards Salary in South Dakota

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Security Guards make in South Dakota?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$37,150
Median Annual Salary
▲ +0.4% vs 2024
$40,250
Mean Salary
$37,150
Median Salary
$17.86
Hourly Rate
1,460 people work as Security Guards in South Dakota

Security Guards salary by percentile in South Dakota

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

Security Guards salary in South Dakota — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Security Guards in South Dakota.10thBottom 10% earn less than $30,060$30,06025th25% earn less than $32,190$32,190MedianHalf earn more than $37,150$37,15075th75% earn less than $45,190$45,19090thTop 10% earn more than $59,840$59,840

Security Guards in South Dakota earn a median salary of $37,150 per year ($3,095/month). This is 5.7% below the national average of $39,375. South Dakota ranks #30 out of 51 states for Security Guards pay. Approximately 1,460 people work in this occupation across South Dakota. Salaries increased by 0.4% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Security Guards

Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.

Top Skills

Active Listening
3.75
Monitoring
3.38
Speaking
3.25
Critical Thinking
3.12
Coordination
3.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Public Safety and Security
4.74
Customer and Personal Service
4.54
English Language
4.32
Computers and Electronics
4.09
Administration and Management
3.99
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (79.3% of workers)

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

Salary Range: Security Guards in South Dakota

Salaries for Security Guards in South Dakota range from $30,060 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $59,840 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $32,190 and $45,190.

Median $37,150
P10: $30,060 P25: $32,190 P75: $45,190 P90: $59,840
10th
$30,060
25th
$32,190
Median
$37,150
75th
$45,190
90th
$59,840
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $30,060 $14.45 $2,505
25th Percentile $32,190 $15.48 $2,682
Median (50th) $37,150 $17.86 $3,095
75th Percentile $45,190 $21.73 $3,765
90th Percentile (Experienced) $59,840 $28.77 $4,986

Note: The mean (average) salary of $40,250 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#30
South Dakota ranks #30 of 51 states
$39,375
National avg. for Security Guards
-5.7%
vs. national average
Below Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in South Dakota:

What does this salary really buy? See Security Guards salary in South Dakota adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Security Guards take-home pay in South Dakota after taxes →

Explore Security Guards Data in South Dakota

Security Guards Salary by State

Compare Security Guards pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Security Guards make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Security Guards in South Dakota is $37,150 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $40,250.
What is the salary range for a Security Guards in South Dakota?
Salaries for Security Guards in South Dakota range from $30,060 at the 10th percentile to $59,840 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $32,190 and $45,190.
What is the starting salary for a Security Guards in South Dakota?
Entry-level Security Guards positions in South Dakota typically start around $30,060 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $32,190 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Security Guards in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,460 people are employed as Security Guards in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Security Guards in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Security Guards in South Dakota is approximately $17.86 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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