South Dakota Teaching Salaries and Benefits
South Dakota elementary school teachers earned a median annual salary of $50,130 as of May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Teacher pay rises with education level and experience, and the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS) pairs that salary with a defined-benefit pension funded by a 12% combined contribution. State teacher employment is projected to grow through 2034, bucking the national trend for these occupations.
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South Dakota ties teacher pay to education level and years of experience, and pairs that salary with a state pension and full medical, dental, and vision coverage. Here’s what current and prospective South Dakota teachers can expect to earn, plus how the state’s retirement and health benefits work.
Learn more about becoming a teacher. Contact schools offering state-approved teacher preparation programs in South Dakota.
South Dakota Teacher Salaries by Grade Level
According to BLS data, South Dakota’s teacher salaries vary by grade level and experience. Below are median annual wages for the state’s core K-12 teaching occupations as of May 2025.
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage | Mean Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teachers | $49,410 | $51,640 |
| Elementary School Teachers | $50,130 | $52,680 |
| Middle School Teachers | $50,980 | $53,290 |
| High School Teachers | $51,050 | $53,960 |
Salaries vary between school districts as well as by state averages. As teachers gain experience and further their education with an advanced degree, they typically move up their district’s salary schedule, which rewards both years of service and additional coursework or graduate credentials.
South Dakota’s Teacher Job Outlook
South Dakota’s employment projections for teachers run counter to the national trend. Nationally, the BLS projects a decline in elementary and secondary teaching positions through 2034, driven largely by enrollment trends. South Dakota’s state labor market projections show growth instead.
| Occupation | Projected Growth (2024-2034) | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teachers | +5.0% | 80 |
| Elementary School Teachers | +4.9% | 340 |
| Middle School Teachers | +5.0% | 170 |
| High School Teachers | +5.1% | 240 |
South Dakota’s Department of Labor and Regulation projects several hundred average annual openings across these roles combined, driven by both new positions and retirements. That gives prospective teachers a more favorable hiring outlook than the national picture alone suggests. Teachers already certified in another state can review South Dakota’s teacher reciprocity agreements to see how their existing license transfers.
Retiring in South Dakota
The South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS) provides teachers with a lifetime pension after retirement through a defined-benefit program. SDRS automatically enrolls members, and teachers can begin collecting pension benefits at the normal retirement age of 65.
Funding the pension requires ongoing contributions. Each year, 12% of a teacher’s total salary goes into the retirement fund. Teachers contribute 6%, and their employer contributes the other 6%.
SDRS calculates the monthly pension using this formula:
Final Average Compensation multiplied by Service Credit Years multiplied by 1.55%
For a full breakdown of retirement benefits, visit the South Dakota Retirement System.
Health Insurance for South Dakota Teachers
South Dakota offers health insurance to all public employees, including teachers, covering medical, dental, and vision care.
Medical Insurance
Teachers can choose between several medical insurance plans that vary based on deductible and out-of-pocket costs. Most plans cover the majority of these services:
- Wellness and Prevention
- Prescription Drugs
- Well Child Care
- Laboratory Tests
- Physical Therapy
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance is available to all teachers and their dependents on a voluntary basis. Plans cover basic procedures, major services, preventative care, and orthodontic services.
Vision Plan
South Dakota’s vision plan, offered through Ameritas, covers eye exams, contact lens fittings, and eyeglass frames for free or at a discount.
Beyond medical, dental, and vision coverage, South Dakota teachers are also eligible for flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and short-term disability. Contact the South Dakota Benefits Office to learn more about the full range of available benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do teachers make in South Dakota?
South Dakota elementary school teachers earned a median annual salary of $50,130 as of May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Kindergarten teachers earned $49,410, middle school teachers earned $50,980, and high school teachers earned $51,050. Pay increases with experience and additional education, and varies by district.
What is the South Dakota teacher retirement formula?
SDRS calculates monthly pension benefits by multiplying Final Average Compensation by Service Credit Years by 1.55%. Teachers contribute 6% of their salary annually, matched by a 6% employer contribution, for a combined 12% funding rate.
At what age can South Dakota teachers retire?
South Dakota teachers reach normal retirement age at 65 under the SDRS defined-benefit program. Members are automatically enrolled and become eligible to collect pension benefits once they meet the plan’s service and age requirements.
Is the teacher job market growing in South Dakota?
Yes. South Dakota’s state labor market projections show roughly 5% growth for elementary, middle, and high school teaching positions between 2024 and 2034, with several hundred average annual openings combined. That’s a stronger outlook than the national projections, which show a slight decline for these same occupations.
What health benefits do South Dakota teachers receive?
South Dakota provides public school teachers with medical, dental, and vision insurance. Teachers can also access flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and short-term disability coverage through the South Dakota Benefits Office.
- Salaries scale with grade level and experience — South Dakota’s median teacher salaries range from $49,410 for kindergarten teachers to $51,050 for high school teachers, according to May 2025 BLS data.
- The job outlook beats the national trend — South Dakota projects roughly 5% growth in teaching positions through 2034, while national projections show a decline for the same occupations.
- Retirement is a shared 12% contribution — teachers and employers each contribute 6% annually to SDRS, which calculates pensions using Final Average Compensation, Service Credit Years, and a 1.55% multiplier.
- Normal retirement age is 65 — SDRS automatically enrolls teachers and provides a lifetime pension once they meet age and service requirements.
- Health coverage extends beyond the basics — medical, dental, and vision insurance come standard, with optional flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and short-term disability also available.
Find accredited teacher preparation programs in South Dakota and learn about South Dakota educator certification requirements.
May 2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS wage estimates and 2024-2034 employment projections for Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, Middle School Teachers, and High School Teachers, reflect state and national data, not school-specific outcomes. State or district job-growth projections are sourced separately from national BLS outlook data. Conditions vary by school sector, subject area, and district. Data accessed July 2026.
