Creative & Education Mitchell, SD Pop. 15,660

Special Education Teacher Salary in Mitchell, South Dakota

The median special education teacher salary in Mitchell, SD is $51,627 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 6.8% below the South Dakota state average.

City Median
$51,627
vs State Avg
$-3,778
vs National
$-11,333
Cost of Living
82%

Special Education Teacher Pay in Mitchell: What to Expect (2026)

Mitchell offers a median special education teacher salary of $51,627, which is $3,778 below the South Dakota state average of $55,405. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Mitchell pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Mitchell's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $51,627 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $62,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Mitchell an attractive option for special education teachers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for special education teachers in Mitchell spans from $34,440 at the 10th percentile to $78,720 at the 90th percentile — a $44,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,080, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,800. Mitchell is a smaller market (pop. 15,660), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Mitchell by Experience

In Mitchell, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $36,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,080
$-7,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,480
$-11,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,800
$-16,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Mitchell, SD

Percentile Mitchell
10th Percentile $34,440
25th Percentile $41,000
Median (50th) $51,627
75th Percentile $63,960
90th Percentile $78,720

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other South Dakota Cities

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Mitchell

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Mitchell and the surrounding South Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

IEP DevelopmentAdaptive TeachingAssessmentBehavioral ManagementCommunicationPatience

Job Outlook

Nationally, special education teacher employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Mitchell may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Mitchell

Browse open special education teacher positions in Mitchell, SD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Mitchell

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Mitchell, SD? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Mitchell, South Dakota is $51,627 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $34,440 (10th percentile) to $78,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Mitchell? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,627, a special education teacher in Mitchell earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Mitchell compare to the South Dakota state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Mitchell's median special education teacher salary of $51,627 is 6.8% below the South Dakota state average of $55,405. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Mitchell, SD? ▼
Mitchell has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $51,627 in Mitchell has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a special education teacher in Mitchell? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Mitchell require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include IEP Development, Adaptive Teaching, Assessment, Behavioral Management. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.