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

Probation Officer Salary in South Dakota

The median probation officer salary in South Dakota is $53,020 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $60,250.

Median Salary
$53,020
vs National
$-7,230
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Probation Officer Salary Overview in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for probation officer compensation. Probation Officer salaries in South Dakota are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $53,020 per year, probation officers in South Dakota earn $7,230 less than the national median of $60,250.

A key advantage of working in South Dakota is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $53,020 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $60,250 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Dakota is significant: probation officers at the 10th percentile earn $33,440, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $80,960 — a $47,520 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 $55,430.

Nationally, probation officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for probation officers across the country.

Probation Officer Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level probation officer earns around $35,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,200
$-4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,560
$-7,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,440
$-10,560 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $33,440
25th Percentile $42,240
Median (50th) $53,020
75th Percentile $66,880
90th Percentile $80,960

Probation Officer Salary by City in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for probation officers 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 Probation Officer in South Dakota

Education

Most probation officer positions require a bachelor's degree. South Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementRisk AssessmentReport WritingCommunicationCrisis InterventionLegal Knowledge

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, probation officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). South Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in South Dakota

How much does a Probation Officer make in South Dakota? ▼
The median probation officer salary in South Dakota is $53,020 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $33,440 (10th percentile) to $80,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in South Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,020, a probation officer in South Dakota earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Dakota a good state for probation officers? ▼
South Dakota ranks #43 out of 50 states for probation officer pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level probation officers earn $35,200, while senior professionals earn $77,440.
How does South Dakota compare to other states for probation officer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for probation officers is Hawaii at $102,425. South Dakota's median of $53,020 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($53,623) and Missouri ($53,020).
What is the entry-level probation officer salary in South Dakota? ▼
An entry-level probation officer in South Dakota earns approximately $35,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $54,560. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $77,440.
What city in South Dakota pays probation officers the most? ▼
Sioux Falls is the highest paying city in South Dakota for probation officers, with a median salary of $55,430. Other cities include Rapid City and Aberdeen.