Elementary School Teacher Salary in South Dakota
Based on 4K+ workers in South Dakota
Median Annual Salary (SD)
$50,130
$24.10/hr
vs National Average
$68,176
-26.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $60K
4K employed in South Dakota
The average Elementary School Teacher salary in South Dakota is $50,130 per year. This median figure sits within a typical salary range of $47,120 to $60,180, reflecting variations in experience and district. It's important to note that this is 26% below the national average for the profession, with approximately 4,290 educators currently employed in this role across the state.
Several factors influence the Elementary School Teacher salary in South Dakota. These can include the specific school district's funding and budget, the teacher's years of experience and educational attainment (e.g., master's degree), and the cost of living within different regions of the state. Negotiated union contracts and demand for educators in particular areas also play a significant role in salary determination.
Salary Distribution — Elementary School Teacher in South Dakota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,120 |
| 25th percentile | $48,000 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $50,130 |
| 75th percentile | $58,030 |
| 90th percentile | $60,180 |
Top-Paying Industries for Elementary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Elementary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Elementary School Teachers in South Dakota tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $72,990 | 540 |
| Educational Services | $63,970 | 1.4M |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $49,340 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $46,390 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Elementary School Teacher in South Dakota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Dakota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $47,890 |
| 2023 | $49,420 |
| 2024 | $49,110 |
| 2025 | $50,130 |
| 2026 (projected) | $51,171 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Dakota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $47,890 | $61,148 |
| 2023 | $49,420 | $64,171 |
| 2024 | $49,110 | $64,107 |
| 2025 | $50,130 | $68,176 |
| 2026 (projected) | $51,171 | $69,592 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,000 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $50,130 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $58,030 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $60,180 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Elementary School Teacher Salaries in South Dakota
How other high-demand occupations in South Dakota compare to Elementary School Teacher ($50,130 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Elementary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in SD | $57,910 | +15.5% | $27.84/hr |
| School Counselor in SD | $51,830 | +3.4% | $24.92/hr |
| Librarian in SD | $51,210 | +2.2% | $24.62/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in SD | $51,050 | +1.8% | $24.54/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in SD | $50,980 | +1.7% | $24.51/hr |
| Tutor in SD | $49,720 | -0.8% | $23.90/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in SD | $49,410 | -1.4% | $23.75/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in SD | $49,490 | -1.3% | $23.79/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in SD | $49,350 | -1.6% | $23.73/hr |
| Web Developer in SD | $51,100 | +1.9% | $24.57/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in SD | $51,160 | +2.1% | $24.60/hr |
| Social Worker in SD | $48,920 | -2.4% | $23.52/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an elementary school teacher make in South Dakota?
- The median salary for an elementary school teacher in South Dakota is $50,130 per year, which averages out to about $24 per hour. Most teachers in the state earn between $47,120 and $60,180 annually.
What is the salary range for elementary school teachers in South Dakota?
- Elementary school teachers in South Dakota can expect to earn between $47,120 and $60,180 per year. The median salary within this range is $50,130 annually.
Is the salary for elementary school teachers in South Dakota lower than the national average?
- Yes, the median salary for elementary school teachers in South Dakota is 26.5% lower than the national average. While the median here is $50,130 annually, the national median is significantly higher.
How many elementary school teachers are employed in South Dakota?
- There are approximately 4,290 elementary school teachers currently employed in South Dakota. The median salary for these professionals is $50,130 per year.