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Verified by SD Board of Education

School Counselor Licensing in South Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for school counselor in South Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for School Counselor in South Dakota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Varies by state board.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • State-approved exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    South Dakota Department of Education • Certification Office

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $52,450 median (19% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #49 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet South Dakota eligibility requirements for School Counselor licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
  4. 4. Submit the application to South Dakota Department of Education~Certification Office and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in South Dakota

With a median salary of $52,450, School Counselors in South Dakota earn 19% below the national median of $65,140. South Dakota ranks #49 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,123

Median annual salary

$52,450

Hourly estimate

$25.22
19% below national median

Difference: -$12,690

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$44,020
  • P2525th percentile$48,470
  • P50Median$52,450
  • P7575th percentile$61,040
  • P9090th percentile$68,190

State vs National Median

State: $52,450
National: $65,140

Total employment: 880 | Annual openings: N/A

School Counselor Salary Ranking

#49 of 50 statesfor School Counselor median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$94,320
#2Washington$83,930
#3Alaska$80,020
#4Massachusetts$78,840
#5New Jersey$77,940

Nearby States Comparison

School Counselor licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Dakota$52,450Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$60,330Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$63,230Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$55,910Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$66,650Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wyoming$65,070Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Montana$59,480Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wyoming68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

South Dakota Department of Education • Certification Office

800 Governors Dr, Pierre, SD, 57501

Phone: 6057733134

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in South Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$61,970Varies by state boardVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$79,430Varies by state boardVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$72,100Varies by state boardVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$62,120Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a School Counselor in South Dakota?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical School Counselor salary in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for School Counselors in South Dakota is $52,450. Salaries range from $44,020 (10th percentile) to $68,190 (90th percentile).

How does the School Counselor salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?

School Counselors in South Dakota earn 19% below the national median of $65,140, with a state median of $52,450.

How many School Counselors work in South Dakota?

South Dakota employs approximately 880 School Counselors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my School Counselor license to South Dakota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for School Counselors in South Dakota?

The licensing agency is South Dakota Department of Education / Certification Office. Review agency details at https://doe.sd.gov/certification/.

How often do you renew a School Counselor license in South Dakota?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.