South Dakota Median
$72,580
per year
Hourly Rate
$34.89
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-26% vs US median
US median $98,070
State Rank
#42 of 45
30 employed here
How much does a Political Science Teacher, Postsecondary make in South Dakota?
A Political Science Teacher, Postsecondary working in South Dakota earns a median salary of $72,580 per year, or about $34.89 per hour. That is 26% below the national median of $98,070 for this occupation.
Within South Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $59,740 while the top 10% make $101,620 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $64,830 and $84,400 a year.
Political Science Teacher, Postsecondary salary range in South Dakota
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $59,740 | $28.72 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $64,830 | $31.17 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $72,580 | $34.89 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $84,400 | $40.58 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $101,620 | $48.86 |
|
How South Dakota compares
South Dakota ranks 42nd out of 45 states and territories for Political Science Teacher, Postsecondary pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Political Science Teacher, Postsecondary salary in other states
Massachusetts $128,150California $124,890New Hampshire $124,110Montana $109,050Vermont $107,490Michigan $107,060Maryland $105,630New York $104,050District of Columbia $102,310Virginia $101,430Rhode Island $101,320Washington $101,140Illinois $100,700New Jersey $100,260Connecticut $100,230Arizona $99,910Pennsylvania $97,230Minnesota $97,170Maine $96,760Missouri $94,500Nevada $93,300Louisiana $88,090Texas $86,950Nebraska $86,380Wyoming $84,750Indiana $83,770Oregon $83,580Wisconsin $83,190Tennessee $81,330New Mexico $80,640Utah $80,610Iowa $80,160Ohio $80,090Georgia $79,870Kansas $78,800North Carolina $78,760Kentucky $78,670South Carolina $78,650Alabama $77,860Florida $77,860West Virginia $77,420Oklahoma $63,400Mississippi $59,270Arkansas $58,350
Working as a Political Science Teacher, Postsecondary in South Dakota
Nationally, about 17,000 people work as Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.
Considering a move? Compare South Dakota pay ($72,580) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Political Science Teacher, Postsecondary make in South Dakota?
The median Political Science Teacher, Postsecondary salary in South Dakota is $72,580 per year, or about $34.89 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $59,740 at the entry level to $101,620 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Dakota pay compare to the national average?
South Dakota pays Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary about 26% less than the national median of $98,070. South Dakota ranks 42nd out of 45 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Dakota a good state for Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $72,580 a year. About 30 Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary are employed in South Dakota. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in South Dakota?
The highest-paying occupations in South Dakota include Radiologist ($586,010), Emergency Medicine Physician ($393,870), Obstetricians and Gynecologists ($297,610), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.
← See the national Political Science Teacher, Postsecondary salary report
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.