SOC 33-3021 · May 2025 · BLS OEWS
Detectives and Criminal Investigators — East South Dakota
East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area · 2 metro areas compared
At $69,360, this is one of the lower medians recorded for Detectives and Criminal Investigators, 26.0% beneath the national figure of $93,790.
Wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Salary overview
At $69,360, this is one of the lower medians recorded for Detectives and Criminal Investigators, 26.0% beneath the national figure of $93,790. Pay ranges from under $60,210 at the tenth percentile to more than $97,700 at the ninetieth, with the interquartile range running from $61,650 to $80,460.
Employment stands at 50, or 0.4 jobs per thousand held locally. Within the state, Sioux Falls records the highest median at $110,760. Of the 390 occupations with published wages in this area, it sits 98th.
Percentile breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | vs US median |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $60,210 | −35.8% |
| 25th | $61,650 | −34.3% |
| Median (50th) | $69,360 | −26.0% |
| 75th | $80,460 | −14.2% |
| 90th | $97,700 | +4.2% |
| Mean | $76,110 | −18.9% |
Other metro areas in South Dakota
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sioux Falls | $110,760 | 60 | |
| 2 | Rapid City | $77,730 | 90 |
What the pay is worth locally
Prices in East South Dakota run 11.4% below the national average, so the median of $69,360 goes as far as $78,284 would elsewhere in the country. Measured that way it compares to the national median at 16.5% below the national median in real terms.
Published median
$69,360as reported by BLSLocal price level
88.6US average = 100 · BEA 2024Adjusted for local prices
$78,284US average = 100 · BEA 2024Key takeaways
- Median pay is $69,360 a year, 26.0% below the national median.
- Published pay spans $60,210 to $97,700 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles.
- The area has 50 jobs in this occupation.
- The highest-paying metro area covered is Sioux Falls, at $110,760.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median wage for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in East South Dakota, SD?
The median annual wage is $69,360, or $33.34 per hour, as of May 2025. Half of the workers in this occupation earn more than that and half earn less.
Is that higher than the national average?
The national median for this occupation is $93,790, so pay in East South Dakota, SD is 26.0% lower. These figures are medians, not averages: half of workers fall on each side.
What do the top earners make?
The top tenth of this occupation in East South Dakota, SD earns more than $97,700 per year. The ninetieth percentile is the highest figure the survey publishes.
What is the starting range?
The tenth percentile wage is $60,210 per year. The survey measures wages actually paid rather than experience level, so this reflects the lowest-paid tenth rather than entry-level pay specifically.
Which area nearby pays the most?
The highest median for this occupation among the metro areas covered is in Sioux Falls, at $110,760 per year.
How many jobs are there in this occupation here?
The survey estimates 50 jobs in this occupation in East South Dakota, SD. Self-employed workers are not included.
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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