Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in South Dakota
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in South Dakota earn a median of $51,090 a year, based on BLS data for 790 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,300 for the lowest-paid 10% to $61,740 for the top 10%. That is 22% lower than the national median of $65,120. South Dakota ranks 48th of 51 states for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school pay. 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 $53,530, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,300 |
| 25th percentile | $48,560 |
| Median | $51,090 |
| 75th percentile | $58,640 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $61,740 |
| Average (mean) | $53,530 |
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 | $4,257.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,128.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,965 |
| Weekly | $982.50 |
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 $51,090 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 cities in South Dakota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD | $60,800 | 120 |
| 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.
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 |
| 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 25-2052. 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 South Dakota?
The median salary for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in South Dakota is $51,090 a year. Pay ranges from $47,300 for the lowest-paid 10% to $61,740 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in South Dakota earn at least $61,740 a year. The top 25% earn $58,640 or more.
What is the starting pay for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,300 a year, and a quarter of special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school earn $48,560 or less.
How many special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school work in South Dakota?
About 790 special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.