Estimate · based on BLS national data

Special Education Teachers in South Dakota

$69,382 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$33.36 per hour

▼ 13.0% below U.S. average26th of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: Estimate (BLS national × cost of living) Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$69,382per year
Median$66,625per year
Hourly$33.36per hour
10th – 90th percentile$45,259 – $96,112per year

Special Education Teachers Pay Range in South Dakota

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$45,259
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$57,725
  • 50th Percentile — Median$66,625
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$85,772
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$96,112

Half of Special Education Teachers in South Dakota earn more than $66,625. The top 10% make $96,112 or more, while entry-level workers start around $45,259.

Special Education Teachers in South Dakota: Key Facts

Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living

  • South Dakota ranks 26th of 51 states for Special Education Teachers pay, at $69,382 per year (13.0% below the U.S. average of $79,750).
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $45,259; the top 10% earn over $96,112.
  • Hourly equivalent: $33.36 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is Hawaii at $123,612.
  • Among education jobs in South Dakota, Biological Science Professors pays the most ($83,890).

Special Education Teachers Job Market in South Dakota

Key factors affecting compensation

South Dakota's key industries are Agriculture, Finance, Tourism, and its job market is rated moderate. Special Education Teachers here earn $69,382 on average, placing the state 26th nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 0.87 (U.S. = 1.00), a South Dakota salary of $69,382 is roughly equivalent to $79,749 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, District of Columbia ($72,850), Minnesota ($72,690), South Carolina ($70,180) are the closest alternatives for Special Education Teachers weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

Related career salary benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Special Education Teachers salary in South Dakota?

The average Special Education Teachers salary in South Dakota is $69,382 per year (median $66,625), which is 13.0% below the national average of $79,750.

How does South Dakota rank for Special Education Teachers pay?

South Dakota ranks 26th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is Hawaii ($123,612/yr).

How much do entry-level Special Education Teachers make in South Dakota?

The lowest-paid 10% of Special Education Teachers in South Dakota earn about $45,259 per year and the 25th percentile is $57,725.

How much do Special Education Teachers make per hour in South Dakota?

About $33.36 per hour, based on the $69,382 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

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