Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in South Dakota
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education in South Dakota earn a median of $44,500 a year ($21.39 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,470 workers.
Pay ranges from $30,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,370 for the top 10%. That is 17% higher than the national median of $38,140. South Dakota ranks 16th of 51 states for preschool teachers, except special education pay. There are 3.2 preschool teachers, except special education per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $42,440, close to the median.
Pay range for preschool teachers, except special education in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $30,980 | $14.89 |
| 25th percentile | $34,830 | $16.74 |
| Median | $44,500 | $21.39 |
| 75th percentile | $48,260 | $23.20 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $56,370 | $27.10 |
| Average (mean) | $42,440 | $20.40 |
Half of preschool 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 | $3,708.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,854.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,711.54 |
| Weekly | $855.77 |
| Hourly | $21.39 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $44,500 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.
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education salary in cities in South Dakota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD | $46,620 | 190 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $46,370 | 710 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $37,840 | 140 |
Highest-paying states for preschool teachers, except special education
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $62,150 |
| Vermont | $49,730 |
| Hawaii | $48,780 |
| New Jersey | $48,220 |
| Kansas | $47,750 |
| California | $47,400 |
| Nebraska | $47,040 |
| New York | $46,520 |
| Alaska | $46,130 |
| Massachusetts | $45,890 |
See Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education pay in every state.
Related jobs in South Dakota
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 25-2011. 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 preschool teachers, except special education make in South Dakota?
The median salary for preschool teachers, except special education in South Dakota is $44,500 a year, or $21.39 an hour. Pay ranges from $30,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,370 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid preschool teachers, except special education make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of preschool teachers, except special education in South Dakota earn at least $56,370 a year. The top 25% earn $48,260 or more.
What is the starting pay for preschool teachers, except special education in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $30,980 a year, and a quarter of preschool teachers, except special education earn $34,830 or less.
How many preschool teachers, except special education work in South Dakota?
About 1,470 preschool teachers, except special education are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.