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Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in South Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in South Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in South Dakota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing 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

    $50,380 median (20% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #46 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet South Dakota eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  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 $50,380, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in South Dakota earn 20% below the national median of $63,000. South Dakota ranks #46 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

$50,380

Hourly estimate

$24.22
20% below national median

Difference: -$12,620

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$45,770
  • P2525th percentile$47,430
  • P50Median$50,380
  • P7575th percentile$57,100
  • P9090th percentile$61,250

State vs National Median

State: $50,380
National: $63,000

Total employment: 800 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking

#46 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$90,530
#2Washington$85,340
#3Connecticut$81,220
#4New York$80,750
#5Massachusetts$78,820

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Dakota$50,380Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$57,820Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$63,320Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$55,350Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$61,140Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wyoming$63,520Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Montana$60,200Varies 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 Dakota50LowState-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

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 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School 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 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in South Dakota is $50,380. Salaries range from $45,770 (10th percentile) to $61,250 (90th percentile).

How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in South Dakota earn 20% below the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $50,380.

How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in South Dakota?

South Dakota employs approximately 800 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School 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 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools 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 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in South Dakota?

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