South Dakota: education overview
Average teacher salary $58,486 (2024-25), #46 of 51. Source
Public vs private schools
| Public | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Schools | 720 | 80 |
| Students | 141,065 | 16,650 |
| Share of students | 89% | 11% |
Latest federal counts; public and private figures come from different school years, so the share is approximate.
Schools 2022-23Students 2024-25Teachers 2022-23Districts 2021-22
Students, teachers, districts
- Public school districts
- 149
- Public school teachers (full-time equivalent)
- 10,261
- Public school students
- 141,065
Schools 2022-23Students 2024-25Teachers 2022-23Districts 2021-22
How teacher pay is structured
Regular districts generally serve K–12, so elementary and high school teachers normally use the same district teacher pay framework rather than separate grade-level district schedules. Teacher pay is locally negotiated, while state law introduces an indexed minimum salary requirement beginning July 1, 2026; the statutory base is $45,000 for FY2025, with subsequent adjustments. This is a salary floor, not a statewide step-and-lane schedule.
Separate high school districts: noStatewide salary schedule: minimumSource
For prospective educators
You'd be a good fit if you want small K–12 districts, rising state-supported pay, and no state income tax.
A general summary, not advice. Pay and conditions vary by district.