South Dakota Teacher Salary
Average and starting teacher pay in South Dakota for 2024-25, ranked among all states.
South Dakota teacher salary at a glance
In 2024-25 the average public school teacher in South Dakota earned $58,486, according to NEA. That ranks 46th among the 50 states and D.C. and is $16,009 below the national average of $74,495. A year earlier the average was $56,328, so pay changed by 3.8%.
New teachers start lower. NEA's benchmark report puts the starting salary in South Dakota at $47,196, which ranks 27th of 51. The national average starting salary is $48,112.
| South Dakota | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Average salary 2024-25 | $58,486 | $74,495 |
| Average salary 2023-24 | $56,328 | $71,985 |
| Starting salary 2024-25 | $47,196 | $48,112 |
| Average salary rank | 46 of 51 | |
| Starting salary rank | 27 of 51 |
States close to South Dakota in the ranking
Montana (44th, $59,305), Arkansas (45th, $59,193), West Virginia (47th, $58,099), Missouri (48th, $57,366). See all states ranked or compare South Dakota with another state.
Average salary covers all public school teachers and is what NEA reports for 2024-25. Starting salary is the pay at the bottom of a bachelor's-degree salary schedule, as collected in NEA's benchmark report. Salary figures do not include benefits and are not adjusted for cost of living. Source: NEA, Rankings of the States 2025 and Estimates of School Statistics 2026 (average salary, Table B-6, April 2026) and NEA, 2024-2025 Teacher Salary Benchmark Report (starting salary, April 2026). Ranks are among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Reviewed 2026-10-03.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average teacher salary in South Dakota?
NEA reports an average public school teacher salary of $58,486 in South Dakota for 2024-25, which ranks 46th of 51 (the 50 states and D.C.).
What is the starting teacher salary in South Dakota?
NEA's benchmark report lists a starting salary of $47,196 in South Dakota for 2024-25, ranking 27th of 51.
How does South Dakota compare with the national average?
The national average teacher salary is $74,495. South Dakota is $16,009 below it. For starting pay, the national average is $48,112 and South Dakota is $916 below.
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