📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

School Counselor Salary in South Dakota (2026)

South Dakota · 13.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$55,532
per year
Median
$53,427
per year
Hourly
$26.7
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$36,396
25th Percentile — Junior$46,538
50th Percentile — Median$53,427
75th Percentile — Senior$69,359
90th Percentile — Top Earners$77,807
💡 Top-earning School Counselors in South Dakota make up to $77,807 per year. The job market in South Dakota is rated moderate, with key industries including Agriculture, Finance, Tourism.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$46.1k
2021
$47.8k
2022
$49.7k
2023
$51.5k
2024
$53.5k
2025
$55.5k
2026
📈 School Counselor salaries in South Dakota have followed the national trend with 3.8% annual growth. The strong demand in South Dakota's job market supports continued salary increases.
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School Counselor Salary by City in South Dakota
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $55,532 +0% High
🔍
School Counselor Job Market in South Dakota
Key factors affecting compensation

South Dakota is home to a moderate job market for School Counselors. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Finance, Tourism — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $55,532 per year, South Dakota's School Counselor salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in South Dakota (index: 0.87) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in South Dakota can expect to earn $36,396–$46,538, while experienced School Counselors can command $69,359–$77,807.

Looking ahead, the School Counselor profession in South Dakota is projected to grow at 3.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Agriculture continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average School Counselor salary in South Dakota is $55,532 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $63,830.
  • Major metro areas typically pay School Counselors the highest wages in South Dakota due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • South Dakota has a moderate job market with major industries in Agriculture, Finance, Tourism. Opportunities exist in for School Counselor employment.
  • At $55,532/year, South Dakota School Counselor salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $63,830/year.