Police Officer Hourly Pay in Vermillion, SD: $32.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a police officer working in Vermillion, SD runs $32.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,322 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 33-3051). Weighted against Vermillion's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,399 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Vermillion, South Dakota, police officers earn a median hourly pay of $32.37, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $37.76. This hourly rate reflects the financial realities for part-time officers working three days a week or those engaged in per-diem assignments, as they typically navigate various settings like patrol vehicles, courtrooms, and police stations. With an hourly range between $22.01 and $45.71, entry-level officers can expect to start on the lower end of the spectrum, while experienced members may command top rates, especially during overtime scenarios or specialized operations. These hourly figures are estimated based on annual salary data, shedding light on the potential earnings officers might expect throughout their careers in law enforcement in Vermillion.
About the Vermillion Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Police Officer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.01 | $176.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.12 | $208.92 |
| Median (P50) | $32.37 | $258.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.86 | $326.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.71 | $365.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vermillion
Based on $32.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.37/hr, a police officer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vermillion, SD can expect to earn approximately $67,332 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,845. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Vermillion.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vermillion
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,294.85 | $5,611 | $67,332 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $776.91 | $3,367 | $40,399 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $517.94 | $2,244 | $26,933 |
Compare PO Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Police Officer (Vermillion) | $32.37 |
| Firefighter (National Avg) | $28.13 |
| Detective / Criminal Investigator (National Avg) | $45.86 |
| Correctional Officer (National Avg) | $25.24 |
| Security Guard (National Avg) | $17.32 |
Police Officers in Vermillion, SD earn a median of $67,322 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.29% lower than the national median of $78,542 and 7.60% below the South Dakota state average of $72,859.
Police Officer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.37/hr = $40,399/year (purchasing power: $43,534).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,332/year (purchasing power: $72,556).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Police Officers in Vermillion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for police officers in Vermillion grew 20.7% from $26.03/hr (2019) to $31.41/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.36/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem police officers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vermillion 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 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Police Officer in Vermillion
While working part-time at 24 hours per week could yield substantial annual earnings, complete pay comparisons with full-time officers highlight a clear choice—full-time work often comes with additional benefits like health insurance, which some officers value over higher hourly wages. In terms of per diem police officer pay in Vermillion, officers can supplement their income through off-duty assignments, commonly available at rates between $35 and $75 per hour, providing a viable option for those seeking additional earnings. Moreover, municipal police departments may offer different pay scales compared to county sheriff's offices or state agencies, reflecting the localized economic factors at play. It's essential for officers to understand these dynamics, as negotiating the hourly rate may involve trade-offs, particularly when considering benefits and job stability. Thus, finding the right balance between pay and job satisfaction can shape an officer's career trajectory in law enforcement across South Dakota.
More salary data for Vermillion, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage 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 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for police officers in Vermillion. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Vermillion is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for police officers (SOC 33-3051).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov