Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| South Dakota | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $51,090 | $71,377 | -28% |
| Median hourly wage | $24.56 | $34.32 | -28% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $57,664.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City-level data coming soon. | ||||
The median annual salary for a Special Education Teacher in South Dakota is $51,090, or about $24.56 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Special Education Teachers is $71,377. South Dakota is -28% below the national median.
Entry-level special education teachers in South Dakota typically earn from varies by experience depending on the city and employer.
With 790 special education teacher jobs on record and a median salary of $51,090, South Dakota offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.