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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Special Assistant in South Dakota is $80,356 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Special Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Special Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $89,163 | $7,430 | $1,715 | $43 |
| Average | $80,356 | $6,696 | $1,545 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,621 | $5,885 | $1,358 | $34 |
West Central School District - Humboldt, SD
Agtegra Cooperative - Aberdeen, SD
St. Francis Indian School AKA Sicangu Oyate Ho Inc. - Saint Francis, SD
Abbott House of SD - Mitchell, SD
A Special Assistant'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 Assistant'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 |
|---|---|
| Executive... Level Special Assistant | $58,046 |
| Executive... Level Special Assistant | $67,345 |
| Special A... Level Special Assistant | $81,032 |
| Executive... Level Special Assistant | $91,592 |
| Executive... Level Special Assistant | $109,840 |
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 Assistants. 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 Assistant roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Special Assistant positions in Telecom or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Special Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $104,463 | $50.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $104,463 | $50.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $100,445 | $48.0 | 25% |
| Insurance | $96,427 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $94,820 | $46.0 | 18% |
Understanding how a Special Assistant'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 | $89,163 | $7,430 | $1,715 | $43 |
| Average | $80,356 | $6,696 | $1,545 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,621 | $5,885 | $1,358 | $34 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Special Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Rapid City Area Schools
Rapid City, SD
Rapid City Area Schools | Rapid City, SD
Job Description. Job Description. This position has been designated as High Needs/Difficult to fill, so it is bonus eligible. Please see the bonus structur... more
8 Days Ago
Northeast Educational Services Cooperative
Florence, SD
Northeast Educational Services Cooperative | Florence, SD
Join a team that shows up for students every single day. We have paraprofessional openings at our classroom location in the Webster (up to 2 openings) Nort... more
9 Days Ago
Northeast Educational Services Cooperative
Bristol, SD
Northeast Educational Services Cooperative | Bristol, SD
Join a team that shows up for students every single day. We have paraprofessional openings at our classroom location in the Webster (up to 2 openings) Nort... more
9 Days Ago
Signal of Houston
Rapid City, SD
Signal of Houston | Rapid City, SD
This is an event postion for holiday events and winter events. Applicant does have the ability to advance to full time if desired and shows strong preoform... more
9 Days Ago
Divide County School District
Sioux Falls, SD
Divide County School District | Sioux Falls, SD
Job Description. Job Description. This position is located in Crosby, ND. Join Our Team as a Special Education Teacher. Are you a compassionate and dedicat... more
11 Days Ago
Pierre School District 32-2
Pierre, SD
Pierre School District 32-2 | Pierre, SD
Teachers must be properly certified in all the content areas they are teaching and must meet highly qualified status in accordance with South Dakota Depart... more
9 Days Ago
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