Bus Drivers, School Salary in South Dakota

Bus drivers, school in South Dakota earn the most in Rapid City (average $43,660 a year) and the least in Sioux Falls ($38,380), across the 2 South Dakota metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the bus drivers, school average at $41,380 and the median at $39,730 for 1,290 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $48,430.

Bus Drivers, School average salary by city in South Dakota

Rapid City$43,660
Sioux Falls$38,380

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Rapid City	$43,660	$40,330	$39,770	$37,261	89
Sioux Falls	$38,380	$39,690	$34,380	$33,018	91

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; South Dakota has no state income tax. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Bus Drivers, School salary in other states

Bus Drivers, School salary by city and state

More about pay in South Dakota

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 53-3051.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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