Emergency Medical Technician Salary in South Dakota: $40,598 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across South Dakota's 11 metropolitan areas, the average median emergency medical technician pay sits at $40,598/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2042. Because South Dakota sits at BEA RPP 92.8 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $43,748 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Watertown ($39,681), Yankton ($39,669), Spearfish ($39,569).
In South Dakota, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) earn an average median salary of $40,598 in 2026, which is approximately 13.7% lower than the national median of $47,058. Salary variations exist within the state, with Watertown offering the highest average at $41,990 and Sioux Falls providing the lowest at $38,942, indicating a salary gap of $3,048. This difference can be attributed to varying local demand for EMT services, population density, and the presence of healthcare facilities. EMTs in South Dakota are required to meet state licensing requirements, which include completing an accredited training program and passing a certification exam. The state's scope of practice laws define the specific medical procedures EMTs can perform, impacting their operational capabilities and job functions. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.82%, the job market for EMTs in South Dakota shows positive signs, driven by factors such as population growth, an aging demographic, and increased emphasis on emergency medical services. The total number of employed EMTs is currently 315, and the highest-paying cities—Watertown, Yankton, Spearfish, Rapid City, and Mitchell—reflect regional disparities in healthcare demands and funding, which contribute to salary fluctuations across the state.
South Dakota Emergency Medical Technician Salary Range
Overall salary range in South Dakota: $31,876 (lowest entry-level) to $55,916 (highest top earner)
South Dakota vs National Average
South Dakota emergency medical technicians earn 13.73% less than the national median ($-6,460/year difference).
South Dakota Emergency Medical Technician Salary Distribution (2026)
Emergency Medical Technician salaries in South Dakota range from $35,290 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $51,253 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $40,598. The South Dakota median is $6,460 below the US national median of $47,058. The average hourly rate is $19.52/hr. Approximately 315 emergency medical technicians are employed across 11 cities.
2021 BLS Actual
$31,483
2025 BLS Actual
$38,365
2026 Current Est.
$40,598
2021–2027 Growth
+36.5%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in South Dakota (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $31,483 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,878 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,424 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,365 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,598 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,961 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Dakota metropolitan area, the median emergency medical technician salary grew 21.9% from $31,483 (2021) to $38,365 (2025). At a 5.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,961 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,478 (36.46%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Dakota metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.82% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in South Dakota
Lowest Paying Cities in South Dakota
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $38,942 |
| Huron | $40,273 |
| Vermillion | $40,335 |
| Brookings | $40,345 |
| Pierre | $41,029 |
Best Value Cities for Emergency Medical Technicians in South Dakota
When adjusted for local cost of living, these South Dakota cities offer the most purchasing power for emergency medical technicians.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City | $41,735 | 89.16 | $46,809 |
| Watertown | $41,990 | 92.8 | $45,248 |
| Yankton | $41,978 | 92.8 | $45,235 |
| Spearfish | $41,872 | 92.8 | $45,121 |
| Mitchell | $41,570 | 92.8 | $44,795 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $35,290 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $40,598 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $51,253 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across South Dakota metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 11 Cities in South Dakota
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Watertown | $41,990 |
| 2 | Yankton | $41,978 |
| 3 | Spearfish | $41,872 |
| 4 | Rapid City | $41,735 |
| 5 | Mitchell | $41,570 |
| 6 | Aberdeen | $41,500 |
| 7 | Pierre | $41,029 |
| 8 | Brookings | $40,345 |
| 9 | Vermillion | $40,335 |
| 10 | Huron | $40,273 |
| 11 | Sioux Falls | $38,942 |
More South Dakota Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore emergency medical technician hourly pay in South Dakota cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced emergency medical technicians.
Explore More Emergency Medical Technician Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do emergency medical technicians make in South Dakota in 2026?
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How does South Dakota emergency medical technician pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level emergency medical technician salary in South Dakota?
How many emergency medical technicians are employed in South Dakota?
Which South Dakota city offers the best value for emergency medical technicians?
Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 emergency medical technician compensation across South Dakota. State averages are employment-weighted across 11 metro areas — larger metro areas with more emergency medical technicianscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.82%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for emergency medical technicians (SOC 29-2042).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov