Special Education Teacher Salary in Rapid City, SD: $56,664 (2026)

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

Rapid City offers a median special education teacher salary of $56,664, which is $1,259 above the South Dakota state average of $55,405. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Rapid City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rapid City's cost of living is 90% 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 special education teachers in Rapid City spans from $37,800 at the 10th percentile to $86,400 at the 90th percentile — a $48,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,000. Rapid City is a smaller market (pop. 74,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Rapid City by Experience

In Rapid City, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$39,600

$-4,400 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$57,600

$-6,400 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$81,000

$-9,000 vs national

Percentile	Rapid City	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$37,800	$36,960	$42,000
25th Percentile	$45,000	$44,000	$50,000
Median (50th)	$56,664	$55,405	$62,960
75th Percentile	$70,200	$68,640	$78,000
90th Percentile	$86,400	$84,480	$96,000

Percentile

Rapid City

10th Percentile

$37,800

25th Percentile

$45,000

Median (50th)

$56,664

75th Percentile

$70,200

90th Percentile

$86,400

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Rapid City

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Rapid City 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 Rapid City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Rapid City

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Rapid City, SD? ▼

The median special education teacher salary in Rapid City, South Dakota is $56,664 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $86,400 (90th percentile).

How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Rapid City? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $56,664, a special education teacher in Rapid City earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rapid City compare to the South Dakota state average for special education teacher pay? ▼

Rapid City's median special education teacher salary of $56,664 is 2.3% above the South Dakota state average of $55,405. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Rapid City, SD? ▼

Rapid City has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $56,664 in Rapid City 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 Rapid City? ▼

Most special education teacher positions in Rapid City 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.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Rapid City, South Dakota