Firefighter Salary in South Dakota

How Much Does a Firefighter Make in South Dakota?

The typical Firefighter salary in South Dakota ranges from $37,800 to $70,200, with the national median at $54,000.

Respond to fires, medical emergencies, and other hazardous situations Your actual take-home pay as a Firefighter in South Dakota depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for Firefighter in South Dakota

As a Firefighter working in South Dakota, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including Firefighter professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

South Dakota Has No State Income Tax

Great news! South Dakota is one of only 9 states with no state income tax. This means you keep more of your Firefighter salary compared to working in states like California (up to 13.3% tax) or New York (up to 10.9% tax).

Example: A Firefighter earning $54,000 in South Dakota saves approximately $2,700 to $5,400 per year in state income tax compared to high-tax states.

Cost of Living for Firefighter in South Dakota

Your Firefighter salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of South Dakota. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $54,000 Firefighter salary in a low-cost area of South Dakota provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

Firefighter Salary Examples in South Dakota

Here's what different Firefighter salary levels look like in South Dakota:

Entry-Level Firefighter ($37,800)

• Gross annual salary: $37,800
• Federal tax: ~$4,536
• FICA: ~$2,892
• Approximate take-home: $28,350

Median Firefighter ($54,000)

• Gross annual salary: $54,000
• Federal tax: ~$8,640
• FICA: ~$4,131
• Approximate take-home: $38,880

Experienced Firefighter ($70,200)

• Gross annual salary: $70,200
• Federal tax: ~$15,444
• FICA: ~$5,370
• Approximate take-home: $45,630

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our South Dakota salary calculator.

Compare Firefighter Salaries Across States

The same Firefighter salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $54,000 Firefighter salary in California results in about $2,700 to $5,400 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in South Dakota.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Firefighter salary in South Dakota?

The average Firefighter salary in South Dakota varies by experience, location within the state, and employer. The national median is $54,000, with typical South Dakota salaries ranging from $37,800 to $70,200.

How much does a Firefighter make after taxes in South Dakota?

After federal taxes, FICA, and typical deductions, a Firefighter earning $54,000 in South Dakota takes home approximately $37,800 to $40,500 per year.

Is South Dakota a good state for Firefighter professionals?

Yes! South Dakota's lack of state income tax means Firefighter professionals keep more of their earnings. Combined with cost of living and career opportunities, South Dakota can be very attractive.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact Firefighter take-home pay in South Dakota?

Use our South Dakota salary calculator →

Or compare Firefighter salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.