The state agency dedicated to informing the public about education in South Dakota, held a one-day event that gathered information from more than 1,500 K-12 teachers working in the state. Their goal was to identify South Dakota teachers’ salaries and benefits and determine the average salary for teachers in our state.
Salary.com has found that teachers in South Dakota have a relatively low salary compared to the national average. The state’s average teacher salary is $41,483 per year and ranges from $35,679 up to $48,286. Furthermore, the cost of living index in South Dakota is roughly 3 percent lower than the national average.
Teachers in South Dakota earn an average salary of $51,050 per year. The highest-paid South Dakota teachers earn more than $80,000 per year.
Teacher Salary In South Dakota Overview
Teaching is a rewarding career, and we’re glad you’re considering it!
But before you start pounding the pavement in search of your first teaching job, let’s take a look at some of the factors that may impact your salary.
First, there’s location: where do you want to teach? Different states have different levels of average teacher salaries, so it’s important to consider this when making your decision. For example, according to the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Minnesota has the highest average teacher salary in the country at $69,000 per year. In contrast, South Dakota has an average salary of $45,000 per year for teachers with 10 years of experience or less.
Additionally, there are other factors that can affect your salary such as degree level and years of experience. If you’re looking for an entry-level position with little experience behind you, then you may be able to make more money in certain states than others. However, if you have more than five years’ experience under your belt then it might be worth considering moving somewhere else where salaries are higher (like Minnesota!).
Public School Teacher Salary in South Dakota
How much does a Public School Teacher make in South Dakota? The average Public School Teacher salary in South Dakota is $47,331 as of August 29, 2022, but the range typically falls between $39,532 and $57,709. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
High School Teacher Salary in South Dakota
How much does a High School Teacher make in South Dakota? The average High School Teacher salary in South Dakota is $53,200 as of August 29, 2022, but the range typically falls between $43,100 and $66,200. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
South Dakota Teaching Salaries and Benefits
Staying healthy can be more expensive than you would imagine. As the costs of medicine and basic care rise, more people rely on health insurance coverage to ensure they don’t encounter financial difficulties down the road.
Financial stresses caused by health care not only negatively affect your classroom performance, but your future as well. Fortunately, teachers in South Dakota are covered for a variety of scenarios with a benefits package that includes both health insurance and retirement planning services.
Teacher Salaries in South Dakota by Education
As teachers further their educations and gain experience in the field, they receive pay increases that reflect their dedication and hard work. Salaries vary between school districts, but the following are some examples of the salaries you can expect in South Dakota:
| Experience | Bachelor’s | Master’s |
|---|---|---|
| At 3 years | $31,510 | $33,395 |
| At 6 years | $32,315 | $34,280 |
| At 9 years | $33,925 | $36,050 |
| At 12 years | $34,730 | $36,935 |
How much do teachers make in South Dakota?
Teachers have the important responsibility of educating the youth and ensuring that all state-mandated standards and topics are covered and retained by the student to the extent deemed necessary by administration. A teacher’s salary varies based on the amount of years of experience that the teacher has in the field, the level of education related to teaching that has been attained, and the specific type of school in which the teacher is working. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average annual salary for a kindergarten teacher in South Dakota in 2020 was $43,670. Elementary school teachers made slightly more, with an average annual salary of $44,790 that year. The same year, South Dakota teachers working in middle or high schools, also known as secondary schools, made an average annual salary of $45,810, which is more than the averages for both elementary and kindergarten teachers in the state.
