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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 12, 2026

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: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See agency

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 baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

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 6-24 months.

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
#1California94,320
#2Washington83,930
#3Alaska80,020
#4Massachusetts78,840
#5New Jersey77,940

Nearby States Comparison

School Counselor licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Dakota$52,450Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
North Dakota$60,330Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
Minnesota$63,230Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Iowa$55,910Degree requiredNo exam required6-24 months
Nebraska$66,650Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Wyoming$65,070Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Montana$59,480Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

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 Dakota54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wyoming54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

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
K-12 Teacher$49,110Varies by state board6-24 months
Librarian$49,290Varies by state board6-24 months
Architect$102,420Varies by state board6-24 months
Audiologist$102,310Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, 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. License status indicator: Active. 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/.