School Counselor Salary in Sioux Falls, SD: $55,329 (2026)

School Counselor Pay in Sioux Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux Falls offers a median school counselor salary of $55,329, which is $2,406 above the South Dakota state average of $52,923. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Sioux Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Sioux Falls's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for school counselors in Sioux Falls spans from $35,144 at the 10th percentile to $87,216 at the 90th percentile — a $52,072 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,800, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $78,200. With a population of 192,517, Sioux Falls is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Sioux Falls by Experience

In Sioux Falls, an entry-level school counselor earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,800

$-3,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$55,200

$-4,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$78,200

$-6,800 vs national

Percentile	Sioux Falls	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$35,144	$33,616	$38,200
25th Percentile	$43,240	$41,360	$47,000
Median (50th)	$55,329	$52,923	$60,140
75th Percentile	$70,104	$67,056	$76,200
90th Percentile	$87,216	$83,424	$94,800

Percentile

Sioux Falls

10th Percentile

$35,144

25th Percentile

$43,240

Median (50th)

$55,329

75th Percentile

$70,104

90th Percentile

$87,216

How to Become a School Counselor in Sioux Falls

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Sioux Falls and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Sioux Falls may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Sioux Falls

How much does a School Counselor make in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is $55,329 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $35,144 (10th percentile) to $87,216 (90th percentile).

How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Sioux Falls? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $55,329, a school counselor in Sioux Falls earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Sioux Falls compare to the South Dakota state average for school counselor pay? ▼

Sioux Falls's median school counselor salary of $55,329 is 4.5% above the South Dakota state average of $52,923. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Sioux Falls, SD? ▼

Sioux Falls has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $55,329 in Sioux Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Sioux Falls? ▼

Most school counselor positions in Sioux Falls require a master's degree. Key skills include Counseling, College Planning, Crisis Intervention, Group Facilitation. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

School Counselor Salary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota