EMT Salaries in South Dakota — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026EMTs in South Dakota earn an average of $39,520 per year ($19.00/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 710 emts.
EMT salaries in South Dakota are below the national average by approximately $1,825. South Dakota has no state income tax.
A solid industrial economy and stable population mean emts in South Dakota enjoy reliable job security.
South Dakota EMT Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in South Dakota after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. South Dakota has no state income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. South Dakota has no state income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — South Dakota EMT Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the South Dakota median of $39,520.
EMT Salary by Experience — South Dakota
EMT Salary Trend in South Dakota — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Dataemts pay in South Dakota has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the emt workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in South Dakota's emergency medical services.
EMT Salary by City — South Dakota
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $43,850 | $21.08 | +11.0% | 248 |
| Rapid City | $41,900 | $20.14 | +6.0% | 198 |
| Aberdeen | $40,700 | $19.57 | +3.0% | 127 |
| Brookings | $37,950 | $18.25 | -4.0% | 63 |
| Watertown | $35,950 | $17.28 | -9.0% | 50 |
| Mitchell | $34,400 | $16.54 | -13.0% | 50 |
Tip: Sioux Falls offers the highest emt salaries in South Dakota at $43,850/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
South Dakota vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, South Dakota compares favourably for emts.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. South Dakota has no state income tax.
EMT Job Outlook in South Dakota
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for emts in South Dakota is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the South Dakota job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean emts in South Dakota enjoy reliable job security.
How to Earn More as an EMT in South Dakota
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as an emt in South Dakota typically adds $32,400 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State EMS Licensing Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Sioux Falls pays emts $43,850/yr — +11.0% above the South Dakota average. Simply relocating within South Dakota can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. EMTs who specialise in emergency medical services typically command premium rates in South Dakota. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. North Dakota pays emts $37,670/yr — -4.7% vs South Dakota.
Find EMT Jobs in South Dakota
Live ListingsSearch current emt job vacancies in South Dakota:
🔍 EMT jobs in South Dakota — Indeed→ 🔍 EMT jobs in South Dakota — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 EMT jobs — Sioux Falls, SD→