Mental Health Counselor Salary in South Dakota
Based on 2K+ workers in South Dakota
Median Annual Salary (SD)
$53,650
$25.79/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
-9.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $67K
2K employed in South Dakota
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in South Dakota is $53,650 per year, which translates to approximately $26 per hour. This figure is 9.7% lower than the national average for the profession, indicating a distinct compensation landscape within the state.
Several factors can influence the Mental Health Counselor salary in South Dakota. These include years of experience, the specific type of facility or practice where one is employed, and the geographic location within the state. Demand for services also plays a role in determining earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in South Dakota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,210 |
| 25th percentile | $45,650 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $53,650 |
| 75th percentile | $62,660 |
| 90th percentile | $67,010 |
Top-Paying Industries for Mental Health Counselor (U.S.)
Which industries pay Mental Health Counselors the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Mental Health Counselors in South Dakota tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $80,880 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $66,530 | 35K |
| Educational Services | $62,070 | 35K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $60,480 | 5K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $60,460 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Mental Health Counselor in South Dakota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Dakota) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $53,650 |
| 2026 (projected) | $55,260 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $53,650 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $55,260 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $45,650 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $53,650 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $62,660 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $67,010 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in South Dakota
How other high-demand occupations in South Dakota compare to Mental Health Counselor ($53,650 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in SD | $586,010 | +992.3% | $281.74/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in SD | $393,870 | +634.1% | $189.36/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in SD | $297,610 | +454.7% | $143.08/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in SD | $280,520 | +422.9% | $134.87/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in SD | $263,930 | +391.9% | $126.89/hr |
| Pediatrician in SD | $257,610 | +380.2% | $123.85/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in SD | $239,970 | +347.3% | $115.37/hr |
| Psychiatrist in SD | $226,180 | +321.6% | $108.74/hr |
| Dentist in SD | $158,140 | +194.8% | $76.03/hr |
| Pharmacist in SD | $146,790 | +173.6% | $70.57/hr |
| Physician Assistant in SD | $133,200 | +148.3% | $64.04/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in SD | $128,840 | +140.1% | $61.94/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in South Dakota?
- The salary range for Mental Health Counselors in South Dakota generally falls between $39,210 and $67,010 annually. This means that while the median is $53,650, many professionals earn outside of this central point.
How does the Mental Health Counselor salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?
- Mental Health Counselors in South Dakota earn approximately 9.7% less than the national average. This means the median salary of $53,650 per year is lower compared to the overall US median.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in South Dakota?
- There are an estimated 1,710 Mental Health Counselors currently employed in South Dakota. This number reflects the current demand and availability of these professionals within the state.
Is the hourly pay for a Mental Health Counselor in South Dakota around $26?
- Yes, the hourly equivalent for the median Mental Health Counselor salary in South Dakota is around $26. This is derived from the annual median of $53,650.