Average teacher pay in South Dakota reaches new record

Average teacher pay in South Dakota has jumped up to 46^th in the nation, the highest ranking the state has ever received. The National Education Association released its averages Wednesday. The state reached 47^th in the 2019 report for the 2017-18 school year after lawmakers approved a half-cent sales tax increase in 2016. The state then fell behind in 2021 to 50^th in the nation and climbed up to 49 in last years report. In 2023-24 South Dakota teachers on average brought home $56,328.