Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Rapid City, SD
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in the Rapid City, SD metro area earn a median of $60,800 a year, based on BLS data for 120 workers.
Pay ranges from $48,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $63,620 for the top 10%. That is 7% lower than the national median of $65,120. Pay here is 19% higher than the South Dakota statewide median of $51,090. There are 1.7 special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $56,780, close to the median.
Pay range for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Rapid City, SD
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,980 |
| 25th percentile | $48,980 |
| Median | $60,800 |
| 75th percentile | $61,740 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $63,620 |
| Average (mean) | $56,780 |
Half of special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school 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 | $5,066.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,533.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,338.46 |
| Weekly | $1,169.23 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school 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 $60,800 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.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $60,570 | 170 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $50,400 | 230 |
Highest-paying states for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $97,910 |
| California | $97,170 |
| Washington | $95,040 |
| Massachusetts | $91,350 |
| Rhode Island | $84,300 |
| Connecticut | $82,950 |
| New York | $81,260 |
| Alaska | $80,230 |
| Maryland | $78,850 |
| Illinois | $77,960 |
See Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School pay in every state or the South Dakota statewide figures.
Related jobs in Rapid City, SD
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $59,480 | — |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $59,540 | — |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $60,020 | — |
| Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $46,620 | $22.41 |
| Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | $58,670 | — |
| Special Education Teachers, Secondary School | $58,360 | — |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School | $59,800 | — |
| Special Education Teachers, Middle School | $52,990 | — |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | $27,740 | — |
| Instructional Coordinator | $57,700 | $27.74 |
| Substitute Teachers, Short-Term | $28,550 | $13.73 |
| Library Technician | $34,300 | $16.49 |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $67,290 | $32.35 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $67,870 | — |
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in Rapid City, SD
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-2052. 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 special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school make in Rapid City, SD?
The median salary for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in the Rapid City, SD metro area is $60,800 a year. Pay ranges from $48,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $63,620 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school make in Rapid City, SD?
The top 10% of special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in the Rapid City, SD metro area earn at least $63,620 a year. The top 25% earn $61,740 or more.
What is the starting pay for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Rapid City, SD?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $48,980 a year, and a quarter of special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school earn $48,980 or less.
How many special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school work in Rapid City, SD?
About 120 special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school are employed in the Rapid City, SD metro area, not counting the self-employed.