Childcare Worker salary in South Dakota
Childcare Workers in South Dakota earn a median of $27,940 a year ($13.43 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,370 workers.
Pay ranges from $26,500 for the lowest-paid 10% to $37,840 for the top 10%. That is 20% lower than the national median of $34,980. South Dakota ranks 46th of 51 states for childcare workers pay. There are 5.2 childcare workers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.6× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $29,720, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for childcare workers in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $26,500 | $12.74 |
| 25th percentile | $27,270 | $13.11 |
| Median | $27,940 | $13.43 |
| 75th percentile | $30,010 | $14.43 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $37,840 | $18.19 |
| Average (mean) | $29,720 | $14.29 |
Half of childcare workers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $2,328.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,164.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,074.62 |
| Weekly | $537.31 |
| Hourly | $13.43 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Childcare Worker salary in cities in South Dakota
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $29,330 | 280 |
| Rapid City, SD | $28,330 | 300 |
| Sioux Falls, SD-MN | $28,030 | 1,140 |
Highest-paying states for childcare workers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $47,340 |
| Washington | $41,680 |
| Massachusetts | $40,900 |
| Colorado | $40,750 |
| California | $40,020 |
| Oregon | $38,650 |
| Vermont | $38,030 |
| New York | $37,590 |
| New Hampshire | $37,080 |
| Hawaii | $37,030 |
Related jobs in South Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Advisor | $38,420 | $18.47 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $40,070 | $19.26 |
| Recreation Worker | $42,270 | $20.32 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $50,990 | $24.52 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $29,730 | $14.29 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,390 | $14.61 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $49,800 | $23.94 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $35,100 | $16.88 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $49,860 | $23.97 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $29,430 | $14.15 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $45,310 | $21.79 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $44,470 | $21.38 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $47,840 | $23.00 |
| Gambling Dealer | $36,190 | $17.40 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in South Dakota
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-9011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a childcare worker make in South Dakota?
The median salary for childcare workers in South Dakota is $27,940 a year, or $13.43 an hour. Pay ranges from $26,500 for the lowest-paid 10% to $37,840 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid childcare workers make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of childcare workers in South Dakota earn at least $37,840 a year. The top 25% earn $30,010 or more.
What is the starting pay for childcare workers in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $26,500 a year, and a quarter of childcare workers earn $27,270 or less.
How many childcare workers work in South Dakota?
About 2,370 childcare workers are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.