If you’re considering a career in firefighting in South Dakota, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much do firefighters actually make in South Dakota? Is it enough to support a family? And how does it compare to what firefighters earn in other states?
The average firefighter salary in South Dakota is $48,500 per year, which is well below the national average of $63,890. South Dakota ranks #39 out of 51 states and territories for firefighter pay. Entry-level firefighters can expect to earn around $35,650, while the most experienced firefighters earn up to $62,140 annually.
We pulled this data directly from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey (May 2024 data, the most recent available) so you can see exactly what firefighters are earning in South Dakota right now. Let’s break it all down.
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How Much Do Firefighters Make in South Dakota?
Here are the key salary figures for firefighters in South Dakota:
- Average (mean) salary: $48,500 per year ($23.32/hour)
- Median salary: $47,520 per year ($22.85/hour)
- Total firefighters employed: 540
- National ranking: #39 out of 51
The median salary of $47,520 means that half of all firefighters in South Dakota earn more than this amount, and half earn less. It’s generally a more accurate picture of what a “typical” firefighter makes compared to the average, which can be pulled up by a small number of very high earners.
Firefighter Salary Breakdown in South Dakota
Not all firefighters in South Dakota earn the same amount. Your salary depends heavily on your experience level, rank, and specific department. Here’s how the pay breaks down across different percentiles:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $62,140 | Senior firefighters, captains, and those in high-cost areas |
| 75th Percentile | $54,390 | Experienced firefighters with several years on the job |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $47,520 | Mid-career firefighters with moderate experience |
| 25th Percentile | $41,580 | Newer firefighters still building seniority |
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $35,650 | Entry-level and probationary firefighters |
The gap between entry-level ($35,650) and top earners ($62,140) in South Dakota is $26,490. This range shows that there’s real earning potential as you gain experience and move up in rank.
South Dakota vs. National Average
That’s $15,390 less per year than the national average. However, the lower cost of living in many parts of South Dakota can make this salary go further than you might expect.
Here’s how South Dakota compares to the national numbers:
| Metric | South Dakota | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Mean Salary | $48,500 | $63,890 | -$15,390 |
| Annual Median Salary | $47,520 | $59,530 | -$12,010 |
Keep in mind that raw salary numbers don’t tell the whole story. Cost of living varies dramatically from state to state, so a lower salary in South Dakota might actually go further than a higher salary in a more expensive state.
Factors That Affect Firefighter Pay in South Dakota
Several factors influence how much you can earn as a firefighter in South Dakota:
- Experience and seniority: As with most careers, firefighters earn more as they gain years on the job. Most departments have step pay increases built into their pay scales.
- Rank: Moving up from firefighter to engineer, lieutenant, captain, or battalion chief comes with significant pay bumps. Check out our guide to fire department ranks for more details.
- Department type and size: Larger city departments generally pay more than smaller rural or volunteer departments. Career (paid) departments also pay more than combination departments.
- Overtime and special pay: Many firefighters significantly boost their income through overtime shifts, hazard pay, holiday pay, and special assignment pay (like hazmat or technical rescue certifications).
- Benefits: Don’t forget to factor in benefits like health insurance, retirement pensions, and paid time off. Firefighter pension plans are often among the best in public service.
- Location within the state: Urban areas typically pay more than rural areas, even within the same state. Metro area salaries can vary significantly from the statewide average.
How to Become a Firefighter in South Dakota
If you’re ready to pursue a firefighting career in South Dakota, the good news is that we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that walks you through the entire process step by step.
Check out our full guide: How to Become a Firefighter in South Dakota. It covers everything from basic requirements and certifications to fire academy information and the application process.
For a general overview of the firefighting career path and what to expect during the hiring process, check out our firefighter hiring process guide and our list of 51 firefighter interview questions to help you prepare.
Is Being a Firefighter in South Dakota Worth It?
At $48,500 per year on average, firefighting in South Dakota may not be the highest-paying option, but when you factor in the benefits that come with the job. Firefighters typically receive excellent health insurance, strong retirement pensions, generous time off (thanks to the Kelly Day schedule), and job security that few other careers can match.
Plus, there’s the overtime. Many firefighters earn well above their base salary by picking up extra shifts. It’s not uncommon for experienced firefighters to boost their total compensation by 20-40% through overtime alone.
And of course, the salary is just one part of the equation. The sense of purpose, brotherhood, and community impact that comes with being a firefighter is something you won’t find in most other careers. If you want to learn more about what the job is really like, check out our article on how much firefighters actually make for a broader national perspective, or read about firefighter shift schedules to understand the unique work-life balance this career offers.
Salary data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2024. Data reflects wages for the occupation “Firefighters” (SOC code 33-2011).
Free Firefighter Career Tools
Check out our free career tools to help you get hired:
- Firefighter Salary Calculator — See what firefighters earn in your state
- Free Resume Review Guide — Download our free firefighter resume review checklist
- Eligibility Checker — Find out if you meet the requirements to become a firefighter
- Interview Prep Quiz — Test your firefighter interview knowledge with our free quiz
- CPAT Training Timer — Practice all 8 CPAT events with our free countdown timer
Want to see a personalized estimate? Use our free Firefighter Salary Calculator to see what you could earn based on your state, experience, and rank.
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