School Counselor Salary in South Dakota
Based on 1K+ workers in South Dakota
Median Annual Salary (SD)
$51,830
$24.92/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
-20.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$42K – $66K
1K employed in South Dakota
Exploring the School Counselor salary in South Dakota reveals a median annual earning of $51,830. This figure sits comfortably within the reported range of $41,560 to $65,990. It is important to note that this median is approximately 20% below the national average, with about 1,000 individuals employed in this profession across the state.
Several factors influence the School Counselor salary in South Dakota. These can include the specific school district's budget, the counselor's years of experience and educational qualifications, and the demand for their services within a particular region of the state. Additional responsibilities or specialized roles may also contribute to variations in earning potential.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in South Dakota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,560 |
| 25th percentile | $46,550 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $51,830 |
| 75th percentile | $60,080 |
| 90th percentile | $65,990 |
Top-Paying Industries for School Counselor (U.S.)
Which industries pay School Counselors the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). School Counselors in South Dakota tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Services | $66,180 | 319K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $63,160 | 8K |
| Finance and Insurance | $62,640 | 90 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $58,570 | 2K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $56,030 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — School Counselor in South Dakota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Dakota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $47,800 |
| 2023 | $48,640 |
| 2024 | $52,450 |
| 2025 | $51,830 |
| 2026 (projected) | $51,830 |
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 | $47,800 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $48,640 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $52,450 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $51,830 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $51,830 | $64,937 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in South Dakota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,550 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $51,830 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $60,080 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $65,990 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in South Dakota
How other high-demand occupations in South Dakota compare to School Counselor ($51,830 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in SD | $57,910 | +11.7% | $27.84/hr |
| Librarian in SD | $51,210 | -1.2% | $24.62/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in SD | $51,050 | -1.5% | $24.54/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in SD | $50,980 | -1.6% | $24.51/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in SD | $50,130 | -3.3% | $24.10/hr |
| Tutor in SD | $49,720 | -4.1% | $23.90/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in SD | $49,410 | -4.7% | $23.75/hr |
| Plumber in SD | $51,620 | -0.4% | $24.82/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in SD | $51,160 | -1.3% | $24.60/hr |
| Web Developer in SD | $51,100 | -1.4% | $24.57/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in SD | $52,750 | +1.8% | $25.36/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in SD | $53,650 | +3.5% | $25.79/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a school counselor typically make in South Dakota?
- The median salary for a school counselor in South Dakota is $51,830 per year, which breaks down to about $25 per hour. Most school counselors in the state earn between $41,560 and $65,990 annually.
What is the average salary for school counselors in South Dakota compared to the national average?
- School counselors in South Dakota earn significantly less than the national average, with their median salary being 20.2% lower. This means the typical South Dakota school counselor makes $51,830 per year, while the national median is higher.
What is the salary range for school counselors working in South Dakota?
- In South Dakota, school counselors can expect their salaries to fall within a range of $41,560 to $65,990 per year. The median salary for this profession in the state is $51,830 annually.
How many school counselors are employed in South Dakota?
- There are approximately 1,000 school counselors employed throughout South Dakota. This represents the total number of individuals working in this role within the state, with salaries ranging from $41,560 to $65,990.