Public Service South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

Dispatcher Salary in South Dakota

The median dispatcher salary in South Dakota is $41,166 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $46,780.

Median Salary
$41,166
vs National
$-5,614
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Dispatcher Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for dispatcher compensation. Dispatcher salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $41,166 per year, dispatchers in South Dakota earn $5,614 less than the national median of $46,780.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $41,166 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $46,780 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: dispatchers at the 10th percentile earn $27,280, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $61,600 — a $34,320 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Dakota for this role is Sioux Falls, where the median reaches $43,038.

Nationally, dispatcher employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for dispatchers across the country.

Dispatcher Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level dispatcher earns around $29,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,080 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,040
$-3,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$58,080
$-7,920 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $27,280
25th Percentile $32,560
Median (50th) $41,166
75th Percentile $51,040
90th Percentile $61,600

Dispatcher Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for dispatchers in South Dakota include Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Brookings. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dispatcher in South Dakota

Education

Most dispatcher positions require a high school diploma. South Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Radio CommunicationCAD SystemsMulti-taskingStress ManagementGeographyTyping

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, dispatcher employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). South Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dispatcher Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Dispatcher make in South Dakota? ▼
The median dispatcher salary in South Dakota is $41,166 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $46,780. Salaries range from $27,280 (10th percentile) to $61,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dispatcher make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,166, a dispatcher in South Dakota earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for dispatchers? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for dispatcher pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level dispatchers earn $29,040, while senior professionals earn $58,080.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for dispatcher salary? ▼
The highest paying state for dispatchers is Hawaii at $79,526. South Dakota's median of $41,166 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($41,634) and Missouri ($41,166).
What is the entry-level dispatcher salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level dispatcher in South Dakota earns approximately $29,040 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $42,240. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $58,080.
What city in South Dakota pays dispatchers the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for dispatchers, with a median salary of $43,038. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.