Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education salary in South Dakota
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education in South Dakota earn a median of $50,130 a year, based on BLS data for 4,290 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,120 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,180 for the top 10%. That is 22% lower than the national median of $63,970. South Dakota ranks 49th of 51 states for elementary school teachers, except special education pay. There are 9.4 elementary school teachers, except special education per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $52,680, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for elementary school teachers, except special education in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,120 |
| 25th percentile | $48,000 |
| Median | $50,130 |
| 75th percentile | $58,030 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,180 |
| Average (mean) | $52,680 |
Half of elementary school teachers, except special education earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,177.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,088.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,928.08 |
| Weekly | $964.04 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because elementary school teachers, except special education are usually paid a salary and may not work a full 2,080-hour year. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $50,130 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Dakota at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education salary in cities in South Dakota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $62,270 | 890 |
| Rapid City, SD | $59,480 | 530 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $50,040 | 1,330 |
Highest-paying states for elementary school teachers, except special education
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $102,350 |
| California | $99,650 |
| District of Columbia | $96,580 |
| Massachusetts | $94,000 |
| Rhode Island | $90,930 |
| New York | $85,760 |
| Connecticut | $80,600 |
| Alaska | $79,260 |
| New Jersey | $78,200 |
| Maryland | $77,680 |
See Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education pay in every state.
Related jobs in South Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $51,050 | — |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $50,980 | — |
| Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $44,500 | $21.39 |
| Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School | $51,090 | — |
| Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | $49,410 | — |
| Special Education Teachers, Secondary School | $54,810 | — |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School | $56,070 | — |
| Special Education Teachers, Middle School | $51,360 | — |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | $28,220 | — |
| Substitute Teachers, Short-Term | $27,840 | $13.39 |
| Library Technician | $29,590 | $14.23 |
| Instructional Coordinator | $57,910 | $27.84 |
| Librarians and Media Collections Specialists | $51,210 | $24.62 |
| Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary | $39,840 | — |
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in South Dakota
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-2021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a elementary school teachers, except special education make in South Dakota?
The median salary for elementary school teachers, except special education in South Dakota is $50,130 a year. Pay ranges from $47,120 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,180 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid elementary school teachers, except special education make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of elementary school teachers, except special education in South Dakota earn at least $60,180 a year. The top 25% earn $58,030 or more.
What is the starting pay for elementary school teachers, except special education in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,120 a year, and a quarter of elementary school teachers, except special education earn $48,000 or less.
How many elementary school teachers, except special education work in South Dakota?
About 4,290 elementary school teachers, except special education are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.