Public Service Mitchell, SD Pop. 15,660

Firefighter Salary in Mitchell, South Dakota

The median firefighter salary in Mitchell, SD is $42,378 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 6.8% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$42,378
vs State Avg
$-3,100
vs National
$-9,302
Cost of Living
82%

Firefighter Pay in Mitchell: What to Expect (2026)

Mitchell offers a median firefighter salary of $42,378, which is $3,100 below the South Dakota state average of $45,478. Compared to the national median of $51,680, Mitchell pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Mitchell's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $42,378 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Mitchell an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Mitchell spans from $24,272 at the 10th percentile to $76,096 at the 90th percentile — a $51,824 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,240, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,240. Mitchell is a smaller market (pop. 15,660), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Firefighter Salary in Mitchell by Experience

In Mitchell, an entry-level firefighter earns around $26,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,640
$-9,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$67,240
$-14,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Mitchell, SD

Percentile Mitchell
10th Percentile $24,272
25th Percentile $31,652
Median (50th) $42,378
75th Percentile $58,384
90th Percentile $76,096

Firefighter Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$47,546
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$46,512
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$44,445
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$43,411
Pop. 28,324

How to Become a Firefighter in Mitchell

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Mitchell and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Mitchell may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Mitchell

Browse open firefighter positions in Mitchell, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Mitchell

How much does a Firefighter make in Mitchell, SD? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Mitchell, South Dakota is $42,378 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $24,272 (10th percentile) to $76,096 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Mitchell? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,378, a firefighter in Mitchell earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Mitchell compare to the South Dakota state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Mitchell's median firefighter salary of $42,378 is 6.8% below the South Dakota state average of $45,478. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Mitchell, SD? ▼
Mitchell has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a firefighter salary of $42,378 in Mitchell has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Mitchell? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Mitchell require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.