Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| South Dakota | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $48,160 | $62,011 | -22% |
| Median hourly wage | $23.15 | $29.81 | -22% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $54,357.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City-level data coming soon. | ||||
The median annual salary for a Firefighter in South Dakota is $48,160, or about $23.15 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Firefighters is $62,011. South Dakota is -22% below the national median.
Entry-level firefighters in South Dakota typically earn from varies by experience depending on the city and employer.
With 610 firefighter jobs on record and a median salary of $48,160, South Dakota offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.