Public Service Mitchell, SD Pop. 15,660

Police Officer Salary in Mitchell, South Dakota

The median police officer salary in Mitchell, SD is $53,948 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 6.8% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$53,948
vs State Avg
$-3,947
vs National
$-11,842
Cost of Living
82%

Police Officer Pay in Mitchell: What to Expect (2026)

Mitchell offers a median police officer salary of $53,948, which is $3,947 below the South Dakota state average of $57,895. Compared to the national median of $65,790, 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 $53,948 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Mitchell an attractive option for police officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for police officers in Mitchell spans from $33,128 at the 10th percentile to $86,920 at the 90th percentile — a $53,792 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,440, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,360. Mitchell is a smaller market (pop. 15,660), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Police Officer Salary in Mitchell by Experience

In Mitchell, an entry-level police officer earns around $34,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,440
$-7,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,120
$-11,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,360
$-17,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Mitchell, SD

Percentile Mitchell
10th Percentile $33,128
25th Percentile $41,984
Median (50th) $53,948
75th Percentile $71,504
90th Percentile $86,920

Police Officer Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

Sioux Falls, SD
$60,527
Pop. 192,517
Rapid City, SD
$59,211
Pop. 74,703
Brookings, SD
$56,579
Pop. 24,194
Aberdeen, SD
$55,264
Pop. 28,324

How to Become a Police Officer in Mitchell

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Mitchell and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Mitchell may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Police Officer Jobs in Mitchell

Browse open police officer positions in Mitchell, SD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Mitchell

How much does a Police Officer make in Mitchell, SD? ▼
The median police officer salary in Mitchell, South Dakota is $53,948 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $33,128 (10th percentile) to $86,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Mitchell? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,948, a police officer in Mitchell earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Mitchell compare to the South Dakota state average for police officer pay? ▼
Mitchell's median police officer salary of $53,948 is 6.8% below the South Dakota state average of $57,895. 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 police officer salary of $53,948 in Mitchell has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Mitchell? ▼
Most police officer positions in Mitchell require a high school diploma. Key skills include Law Enforcement, Emergency Response, Report Writing, De-escalation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.