South Dakota Near Bottom in Teacher Rankings

A new WalletHub study ranks South Dakota 47th in the nation for teachers in 2025, citing low average pay, limited school funding, and weak income growth potential. While the state ranked 19th for starting salaries and 22nd for student-teacher ratios, it slipped to 44th in average pay and 41st in per-student spending.

By Christal Blue September 17, 2025 11:48 am

South Dakota teacher ranking 2025 WalletHub teacher study best and worst states for teachers South Dakota teacher pay starting teacher salaries South Dakota average teacher pay ranking per-student spending South Dakota teacher income growth potential South Dakota education funding school quality rankings student-teacher ratio South Dakota challenges for South Dakota educators Virginia best state for teachers — Metro Services

MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) A new WalletHub study places South Dakota near the bottom when it comes to being a teacher, ranking the state 47th overall in 2025. The report measured 24 factors, including pay, class sizes, and school funding. South Dakota ranked 19th for starting teacher salaries but slipped to 44th for average pay and 41st for per-student spending. The state also came in 28th for school quality, 22nd for student-teacher ratios, and 46th for income growth potential — pointing to ongoing challenges for educators across the state. Virginia topped the list as the best state for teachers For more Government stories from MitchellNow.com, Click Here.

Opinion

1 hour ago

Committee Passes Johnson’s Bill to Strengthen Supply Chains and Counter China

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed the Federal Maritime […]

ZZZ App Top Stories

1 hour ago

Fair City Foods, North Huron’s Only Grocery Store, Closing in October After Decades of Service

Fair City Foods, the only grocery store on the north side of Huron, has announced it will close next month. The longtime business will begin liquidating inventory on September 24, with its final day set for October 15. In a statement, Fair City Foods thanked the Huron community for years of support, calling the closure a difficult but heartfelt decision.

Farm

1 hour ago

State Approves Incentives for Solar Farm, Cheese Plant Expansion, and Local Business Growth

South Dakota’s Board of Economic Development has approved nearly $3 million in tax relief for a 585-acre solar farm in McCook County, a $10 million state loan to expand Bel Brands’ Brookings cheese plant, and a grant to Ally Dakota Development.

Crime

2 hours ago

High-Risk Offender to be Released in Sioux Falls

The South Dakota Department of Corrections is alerting the public to the release of 49-year-old Carl Six Toes, a high-risk offender. Six Toes completed his full sentence for sexual contact with a person incapable of consenting in Minnehaha County and will not be under parole supervision.

Lifestyle

2 hours ago

Lake Mitchell Drawdown Delayed by New State-Required Studies

The Lake Mitchell restoration project is facing another setback after state officials ordered new safety studies before a planned drawdown can proceed. The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources is requiring a dam breach analysis and updated flood study, delaying the project by up to six months and adding as much as $200,000 in costs.