South Dakota ranks 46th of 51 states and D.C. for childcare workers pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($45,400) by $18,530 — a 69% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $23,900 to $30,390 — a $6,490 spread, 70% tighter than the national $21,660 range.
Childcare Workers are more concentrated in South Dakota than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.73 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.73× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $23,900 | $11.49 |
| 25th percentile | $24,330 | $11.70 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $26,870 | $12.92 |
| 75th percentile | $27,380 | $13.16 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $30,390 | $14.61 |
| Mean (average) | $26,710 | $12.84 |
How South Dakota Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (current) | $26,870 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $45,400 | +69% |
| Massachusetts | $39,290 | +46% |
| Colorado | $38,410 | +43% |
| California | $38,220 | +42% |
| Vermont | $37,830 | +41% |
| Washington | $37,800 | +41% |
| New York | $36,630 | +36% |
| Hawaii | $36,440 | +36% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Dakota
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Substitute Teachers, Short-Term | $26,880 | 1,650 |
| Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary | $27,020 | 4,570 |
| Dishwashers | $27,590 | 1,340 |
| Library Technicians | $28,370 | 500 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,450 | 1,490 |
| Bartenders | $28,530 | 3,520 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Childcare Workers salary in South Dakota?
The mean childcare workers salary in South Dakota is $26,710 per year. The median (middle) salary is $26,870 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Childcare Workers in South Dakota?
Entry-level childcare workerss (10th percentile) in South Dakota typically earn around $23,900 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $24,330 per year.
What is the highest Childcare Workers salary in South Dakota?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Dakota make approximately $30,390 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $27,380 per year.
How does the South Dakota Childcare Workers salary compare to the national average?
The median childcare workers salary in South Dakota is $26,870, which is -16% below national average of $32,050.