Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary in South Dakota
Special Education Teachers, Middle School in South Dakota earn a median of $51,360 a year, based on BLS data for 310 workers.
Pay ranges from $46,680 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,120 for the top 10%. That is 23% lower than the national median of $66,810. South Dakota ranks 48th of 51 states for special education teachers, middle school pay. There are 0.67 special education teachers, middle school per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $52,820, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for special education teachers, middle school in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $46,680 |
| 25th percentile | $48,370 |
| Median | $51,360 |
| 75th percentile | $58,080 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,120 |
| Average (mean) | $52,820 |
Half of special education teachers, middle 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 | $4,280 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,140 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,975.38 |
| Weekly | $987.69 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because special education teachers, middle 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 $51,360 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, Middle School salary in cities in South Dakota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $73,110 | 50 |
| Rapid City, SD | $52,990 | 40 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $51,060 | 110 |
Highest-paying states for special education teachers, middle school
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $101,530 |
| Washington | $99,520 |
| Rhode Island | $93,970 |
| New York | $93,820 |
| Connecticut | $92,900 |
| Massachusetts | $84,550 |
| Alaska | $81,000 |
| District of Columbia | $79,170 |
| New Jersey | $79,110 |
| Utah | $78,920 |
See Special Education Teachers, Middle 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 |
| 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 | — |
| 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 25-2057. 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, middle school make in South Dakota?
The median salary for special education teachers, middle school in South Dakota is $51,360 a year. Pay ranges from $46,680 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,120 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid special education teachers, middle school make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of special education teachers, middle school in South Dakota earn at least $60,120 a year. The top 25% earn $58,080 or more.
What is the starting pay for special education teachers, middle school in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $46,680 a year, and a quarter of special education teachers, middle school earn $48,370 or less.
How many special education teachers, middle school work in South Dakota?
About 310 special education teachers, middle school are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.