As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Special Needs Aide in South Dakota is $25,829 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $12.
However, a Special Needs Aide's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Special Needs Aide Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $28,089 | $2,341 | $540 | $14 |
| Average | $25,829 | $2,152 | $497 | $12 |
| 25th Percentile | $23,359 | $1,947 | $449 | $11 |
The Fred S. Keller School - PIERMONT, NY
The Learning Tree, Inc. - TALLASSEE, AL
Geisinger - SCRANTON, PA
Geisinger - SCRANTON, PA
A Special Needs Aide's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Special Needs Aide's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Special Needs Aide | $26,172 |
| Intermediate Level Special Needs Aide | $26,415 |
| Senior Level Special Needs Aide | $26,949 |
| Specialist Level Special Needs Aide | $27,056 |
| Expert Level Special Needs Aide | $27,127 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Special Needs Aides. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Special Needs Aide roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Special Needs Aide positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Special Needs Aide as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $30,995 | $15.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Special Needs Aide's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $28,089 | $2,341 | $540 | $14 |
| Average | $25,829 | $2,152 | $497 | $12 |
| 25th Percentile | $23,359 | $1,947 | $449 | $11 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Special Needs Aide job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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