Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in South Dakota
Private Detectives and Investigators in South Dakota earn a median of $44,840 a year, −12% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $44,840
- vs. U.S. median
- −12% ($51,220)
- Rank among states
- 39 of 49
- Jobs in the state
- 60
Pay range in South Dakota
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $40,050; the top 10% earn over $49,560. Nationally the range is $36,740 to $97,630.
States ranked near South Dakota
Similar jobs in South Dakota
- Compliance Officers$72,630 median in South Dakota
- Compliance Managers$119,470 median in South Dakota (broader BLS group)
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$78,900 median in South Dakota
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts$86,260 median in South Dakota (broader BLS group)
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants$58,320 median in South Dakota
- Insurance Underwriters$83,130 median in South Dakota
Private Detectives and Investigators pay in South Dakota
How much do private detectives and investigators make in South Dakota?
The median is $44,840 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $40,050 and the top 10% earn over $49,560. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is South Dakota a good state for private detectives and investigators?
On pay alone it ranks 39 of 49 (−12% vs. the national median of $51,220). Living costs are not included.