MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Most South Dakota teachers lost net purchasing power over the past few years due to high inflation and minimal raises while the state faces intense pressure to hire educators amid a nationwide teacher shortage, a new analysis found.
By the numbers: The Dakota Institute said every school district raised teacher pay between 2017 and 2023, with some increases as high as 40% and an average jump of 13.5%. A 2016 sales tax hike and other legislative efforts have helped boost teacher salaries.
The flip side: And yet, inflation that reached 9.1% in June 2022 has reduced net income for almost all teachers across the state, with some seeing a loss of 22% in purchasing power. Teachers in 139 of 149 public school districts saw their inflation-adjusted wages fall during the past seven years.
Impact on salaries: The average starting salary for South Dakota teachers in 2023 was $42,907, though some districts were as low as $35,000. The state ranks 27th nationally in starting wage and was higher than four of six neighboring states. The average overall salary for teachers in 2023 was $53,153, with some districts much lower at $42,000. The state ranks 49th nationally and lower than all neighboring states in average salary.
Why it’s important: “We’re losing a lot of people who don’t teach because of the pay, which can be prohibitive, and when you can’t afford your rent, you have to make choices that are realistic for your life,” said elementary school teacher Sarah Gross.