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Verified by SD Board of Public Safety

Police Officer Licensing in South Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for police officer in South Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Police Officer in South Dakota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $60,300 median (21% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #38 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet South Dakota eligibility requirements for Police Officer licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit the application to South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in South Dakota

With a median salary of $60,300, Police Officers in South Dakota earn 21% below the national median of $76,290. South Dakota ranks #38 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,123

Median annual salary

$60,300

Hourly estimate

$28.99
21% below national median

Difference: -$15,990

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$46,940
  • P2525th percentile$51,600
  • P50Median$60,300
  • P7575th percentile$67,690
  • P9090th percentile$83,640

State vs National Median

State: $60,300
National: $76,290

Total employment: 1,890 | Annual openings: N/A

Police Officer Salary Ranking

#38 of 50 statesfor Police Officer median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$115,400
#2Washington$102,640
#3Illinois$101,530
#4Alaska$100,300
#5Colorado$96,100

Nearby States Comparison

Police Officer licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Dakota$60,300Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$75,530Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$83,310Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$73,900Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$72,160Varies by state boardState-approved exam21 years
Wyoming$65,180Specific course requiredState exam required1-3 years
Montana$69,910Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wyoming62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources

523 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD, 57501

Phone: 6057735559

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in South Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$52,310Varies by state boardVaries by board
Firefighter$47,520Varies by state boardVaries by board
Security Guards$37,010Varies by state boardVaries by board
Acupuncturist$78,140Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Police Officer in South Dakota?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Police Officer salary in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for Police Officers in South Dakota is $60,300. Salaries range from $46,940 (10th percentile) to $83,640 (90th percentile).

How does the Police Officer salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?

Police Officers in South Dakota earn 21% below the national median of $76,290, with a state median of $60,300.

How many Police Officers work in South Dakota?

South Dakota employs approximately 1,890 Police Officers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Police Officer license to South Dakota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Police Officers in South Dakota?

The licensing agency is South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources. Review agency details at https://danr.sd.gov/Environment/WasteManagement/Asbestos/AsbestosGuide.aspx.

How often do you renew a Police Officer license in South Dakota?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.