Application Fee
See agencyVerified by SD Board of Education
K-12 Teacher Licensing in South Dakota
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for k-12 teacher in South Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in South Dakota
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Register with licensing agency
- Education: Varies by state board
- Examination: State-approved exam
- Application Fee: See agency
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
South Dakota Department of Education • Certification Office
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$49,110 median (21% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#47 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in South Dakota
With a median salary of 49,110, K-12 Teachers in South Dakota earn 21% below the national median of $62,340. South Dakota ranks #47 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$49,110Hourly estimate
$23.6121% below national median
Difference: -$13,230
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationK-12 Teacher Salary Ranking
#47 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | 99,110 |
| #2 | California | 98,190 |
| #3 | Rhode Island | 86,900 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | 83,260 |
| #5 | New York | 82,480 |
Nearby States Comparison
K-12 Teacher licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | $49,110 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| North Dakota | $57,820 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Minnesota | $63,120 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $55,540 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $61,700 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Wyoming | $61,560 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Montana | $56,200 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| North Dakota | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-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
Related Careers in South Dakota
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Librarian | $49,290 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| School Counselor | $52,450 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Architect | $102,420 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Audiologist | $102,310 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher 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 K-12 Teacher salary in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in South Dakota is 49,110. Salaries range from $45,380 (10th percentile) to $58,190 (90th percentile).
How does the K-12 Teacher salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?
K-12 Teachers in South Dakota earn 21% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of 49,110.
How many K-12 Teachers work in South Dakota?
South Dakota employs approximately 4,220 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher 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 K-12 Teachers in South Dakota?
The licensing agency is South Dakota Department of Education / Certification Office. Review agency details at https://doe.sd.gov/certification/.