Elementary School Teacher salary in South Dakota
Elementary school teachers in South Dakota earn a median $50,130 a year, 22% below the national median of $63,970. That ranks #49 of 51 states. After taxes, a single filer keeps about $42,459.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 25-2021. Taxes for tax year 2026.
| Yearly | Monthly | Every 2 weeks | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $50,130 | $4,178 | $1,928 | $24.10 |
| Average pay | $52,680 | $4,390 | $2,026 | $25.33 |
| Take-home (median) | $42,459 | $3,538 | $1,633 | $20.41 |
Where the money goes
| Item | Per year |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $3,836 |
| Social Security and Medicare | $3,835 |
| South Dakota income tax | $0 |
| Take-home | $42,459 |
South Dakota's prices are 11% below the U.S. average, so the median take-home buys what $47,930 buys in an average-priced state. The South Dakota minimum wage is $11.85; the median elementary school teacher earns 2.0 times that.
Elementary School Teacher pay in South Dakota vs. neighboring states
| State | Median salary | Take-home | Buying power |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | $50,130 | $42,459 | $47,930 |
| Iowa | $60,580 | $49,206 | $56,067 |
| Minnesota | $76,350 | $58,538 | $59,356 |
| Montana | $57,530 | $46,458 | $49,087 |
| Nebraska | $62,380 | $50,344 | $55,873 |
| North Dakota | $60,030 | $50,414 | $56,671 |
| Wyoming | $61,150 | $51,314 | $55,360 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much do elementary school teachers make in South Dakota?
- The median salary is $50,130 a year ($24.10 an hour), and the average is $52,680, per BLS data for May 2025.
- How much do elementary school teachers take home in South Dakota?
- About $42,459 a year after federal taxes, or $1,633 every two weeks, for a single filer at the median salary.
- Do elementary school teachers earn more in South Dakota than the national average?
- South Dakota ranks #49 of 51 for median pay, 22% below the U.S. median of $63,970. Adjusted for prices and taxes it ranks #45.