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Public School Teacher · South Dakota

Teacher salary in South Dakota

Teachers in South Dakota earn a median $50,130 a year across all employers.

$50,130
median pay in SD, all employers
4,290
workers in SD (SOC 25-2021)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates. Data captured September 30, 2026.

Pay in South Dakota, all employers Sourced

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (SOC 25-2021) in South Dakota, all employers combined: BLS state estimates do not separate government from private.

MeasureSD
Workers4,290
10th percentile$47,120
Median$50,130
90th percentile$60,180
National median, government employers$65,310

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.

Pension in South Dakota

Local employees: Public school teachers

PlanAccrualNormal retirementEmployee paysSocial Security
South Dakota Retirement System - Generational Class A
Generational member, Class A
1.8%Age 67 with 3 years of contributory service (vested)6%Covered

The statewide plan a new hire usually joins. Some cities and counties run their own plans; check with the employer. Each plan's formula, vesting, cost-of-living adjustment and retiree health are on the South Dakota pension plans list.

Source: State retirement systems, Official state retirement system pages, member handbooks and statutes. Data captured October 2, 2026.

Employers in South Dakota

148 school districts in South Dakota, largest Sioux Falls School District 49-5, Rapid City Area School District 51-4, Harrisburg School District 41-2.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data, 2024–25 local education agency universe (directory and staff). Data captured September 30, 2026.

Free practice tests for South Dakota

Source: Open Exam Prep, Open Exam Prep free practice tests. Data captured October 1, 2026. Each link was opened and its exam title checked on the date shown.

More about this job

Requirements, hiring process, training, schedule and day-to-day work are on the national Public School Teacher page.

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