Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education salary in South Dakota
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education in South Dakota earn a median of $49,410 a year, based on BLS data for 610 workers.
Pay ranges from $46,520 for the lowest-paid 10% to $59,910 for the top 10%. That is 21% lower than the national median of $62,680. South Dakota ranks 47th of 50 states for kindergarten teachers, except special education pay. There are 1.3 kindergarten teachers, except special education per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.9× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $51,640, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for kindergarten teachers, except special education in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $46,520 |
| 25th percentile | $48,050 |
| Median | $49,410 |
| 75th percentile | $57,440 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $59,910 |
| Average (mean) | $51,640 |
Half of kindergarten 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 | $4,117.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,058.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,900.38 |
| Weekly | $950.19 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because kindergarten 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 $49,410 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.
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education salary in cities in South Dakota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $58,920 | 50 |
| Rapid City, SD | $58,670 | 70 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $48,490 | 220 |
Highest-paying states for kindergarten teachers, except special education
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $99,960 |
| Connecticut | $90,030 |
| Rhode Island | $85,470 |
| Massachusetts | $84,100 |
| California | $82,550 |
| District of Columbia | $81,500 |
| New York | $77,630 |
| Maryland | $75,910 |
| Minnesota | $75,500 |
| New Mexico | $74,380 |
See Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education pay in every state.
Related jobs in South Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $50,130 | — |
| 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 | — |
| 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 25-2012. 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 kindergarten teachers, except special education make in South Dakota?
The median salary for kindergarten teachers, except special education in South Dakota is $49,410 a year. Pay ranges from $46,520 for the lowest-paid 10% to $59,910 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid kindergarten teachers, except special education make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of kindergarten teachers, except special education in South Dakota earn at least $59,910 a year. The top 25% earn $57,440 or more.
What is the starting pay for kindergarten teachers, except special education in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $46,520 a year, and a quarter of kindergarten teachers, except special education earn $48,050 or less.
How many kindergarten teachers, except special education work in South Dakota?
About 610 kindergarten teachers, except special education are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.