verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Preschool Teacher Salary in South Dakota

Median Annual in South Dakota
$44,500/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$21.39/hr
▲ 17% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in South Dakota

groups Employed in SD
1,470
public U.S. Median
$38,140
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$50,234 #5 of 51

Preschool Teacher pay in South Dakota, explained

Preschool teachers in South Dakota earn a median of $44,500 per year ($21.39 per hour), which is 17% above the national median of $38,140. Entry-level workers earn around $30,980, while the most experienced preschool teachers reach about $56,370. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within South Dakota.

Is $44,500 good pay in South Dakota?

Adjusted for South Dakota's cost of living (which runs 89% of the U.S. average), that $44,500 is worth about $50,234 in national buying power — ranking South Dakota #5 for real pay (vs #16 on the sticker number).

See the full Preschool Teacher Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Preschool Teacher pay by experience in South Dakota

Entry level (10th pct)
$30,980
$14.89/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$44,500
$21.39/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$56,370
$27.10/hr

Preschool Teacher pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs SD
South Dakota (here) $44,500 $50,234
Nebraska $47,040 $52,207 −$2,540
Minnesota $43,430 $44,037 +$1,070
North Dakota $39,720 $44,650 +$4,780
Montana $36,540 $38,607 +$7,960
Iowa $33,830 $38,547 +$10,670
Wyoming $29,930 $32,290 +$14,570

Preschool Teacher in South Dakota: FAQ

How much do preschool teachers make in South Dakota?

Preschool teachers in South Dakota earn a median of $44,500 per year ($21.39 per hour), compared with $38,140 nationally.

Does South Dakota pay preschool teachers well?

At $44,500, South Dakota pays 17% above the national median for preschool teachers. An estimated 1,470 work in the state.

Preschool Teacher salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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