A primary consideration for someone becoming a teacher in South Dakota is the type of salary he or she might expect to receive. According to the National Education Association, the average salary for a South Dakota certified teacher during the 2011-2012 school year was $39,850. That number was identical in the previous school year as well, indicating that while educator salaries in the state have not grown in recent years, they have remained relatively stable.
Salaries for teachers in South Dakota can vary somewhat, based on a variety factors. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites some of the differences in salaries for teachers with teaching certification in South Dakota, based on the grade and subject taught. The state offers incentives and bonuses to teachers in particular high-need subject areas. Other factors that can impact salary include experience of the teacher, location of the school, and whether the teacher is trained to handle special education classrooms.
The following table from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the average salaries for those who fulfill the teaching requirements in South Dakota, as well as the national salary averages.
| Occupation | Annual mean wage in South Dakota | Annual mean wage in U.S. |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $71,860 | $86,620 |
| Physics Teachers, Postsecondary | $66,500 | $86,730 |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $63,160 | $74,890 |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $62,580 | $65,050 |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $57,420 | $68,760 |
| Preschool Teachers Except Special Education | $28,210 | $30,150 |
| Kindergarten Teachers Except Special Education | $37,840 | $52,350 |
| Elementary School Teachers Except Special Education | $39,150 | $55,270 |
| Middle School Teachers Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $39,740 | $55,780 |
| Secondary School Teachers Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $39,680 | $56,760 |
| Special Education Teachers Preschool Kindergarten and Elementary School | $38,730 | $56,460 |
| Special Education Teachers Middle School | $40,400 | $58,420 |
| Special Education Teachers Secondary School | $40,580 | $59,080 |
Location also plays a part in how much a qualified teacher can expect to earn in South Dakota. The following table from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics demonstrates salary differentiations between some of the major cities in the state.
| Area name | Annual mean wage |
| Sioux Fall, SD | $38,380 |
| Rapid City, SD | $39,570 |
| North Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $39,330 |
Helpful Resources
- National Education Association – Rankings and Estimates: Rankings of the States 2011 and Estimates of School Statistics 2012
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – May 2011 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates South Dakota