Creative & Education South Dakota (SD) Rank #43 of 50

School Counselor Salary in South Dakota

The median school counselor salary in South Dakota is $52,923 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $60,140.

Median Salary
$52,923
vs National
$-7,217
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

School Counselor Salary in South Dakota by Experience

In South Dakota, an entry-level school counselor earns around $35,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,800 per year. The cost of living index in South Dakota is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,200
$-4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,800
$-7,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Dakota

Percentile SD Salary
10th Percentile $33,616
25th Percentile $41,360
Median (50th) $52,923
75th Percentile $67,056
90th Percentile $83,424

Major Cities for School Counselors in South Dakota

The largest employment areas for school counselors in South Dakota include Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Brookings. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Sioux Falls, SD
Metro area for school counselor employment
Rapid City, SD
Metro area for school counselor employment
Aberdeen, SD
Metro area for school counselor employment
Brookings, SD
Metro area for school counselor employment
Mitchell, SD
Metro area for school counselor employment

How to Become a School Counselor in South Dakota

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. South Dakota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook in South Dakota

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). South Dakota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.