South Dakota Librarian Salary Guide - 2024

School Librarians

How are school librarian salaries determined in South Dakota?

School Librarians’ salaries in South Dakota are determined by the School District. It is usually determined and greatly affected by the state funding allocated to the school in which the library is located. Depending on the size of the school, and the number of students that the library is servicing the salary given to a librarian may be higher or lower. The school librarian’s salary will also be based on their level of education and the years that they have been employed.

How can one increase their salary?

Within the school system, the best way to have an increase in your salary is by having many years of experience. Normally, the longer you have worked in a position the more you will be able to see a gradual increase in your salary. You can also move to a different school district or a larger school where the librarian’s pay is more. 

Librarians and Media Specialists Salaries in urban areas of South Dakota

Librarians and Media Specialists Salaries in rural areas of South Dakota

Government or non-profit resources within South Dakota providing assistance for better school librarian pay

The main lobbying organization for better librarian pay is the South Dakota Library Association. This organization specializes in advocacy and can provide many opportunities to its members for growth in their careers. Another great resource for lobbying is the South Dakota State Library, which is committed to providing resources and opportunities for librarians in the state.  

Public Librarians

How are public librarian salaries determined in South Dakota?

Public libraries in South Dakota are predominantly funded by the state. Usually, the state’s allocation of resources and funding for libraries is based on the district that they are in, the size of the library, the material it is handling, and the number of people that its services on a daily basis. The librarian’s salary is dependent on the general funding that is available at any given library. 

How can one increase their salary?

In public libraries, one of the best ways to increase your salary is by aiming to get a more specialized position or an executive position where those are available. Many public libraries have special collections, archives, and research directories that need special care and attention. In those cases, the librarian employed for that work is usually paid more than a front desk librarian would be. In some cases, gaining further certification can also lead to you having a higher salary, but that is something that you will need to check with your specific organization. 

Government or non-profit resources within South Dakota providing assistance for better public librarian pay

If you are planning on lobbying for better pay for public librarians you can do so through the South Dakota Library Association. This association holds annual conferences and provides advocacy resources for its members. Using your contacts from the SDLA, you will be able to lobby more successfully for better library pay. Further resources can be found in the South Dakota State Library and by directly contacting your state’s education department, which is usually the department responsible for library fund allocation.  

Academic Librarians

How are academic librarian salaries determined in South Dakota?

Academic librarian salaries in South Dakota are determined by the institution that the librarian is employed in. As most academic libraries are either privately owned or are a part of an institution that received both public and private funding, they often have a larger allocation of funds. This means that an academic librarian’s salary is determined by not only the funds allocated to the library but also their education, years of experience, rank in the library system, and their position.

How can one increase their salary?

Academic libraries usually provide the most ground for growth for librarians. This is because in an academic library time spent working for the institution means that you are able to apply and get promotions by rank. Oftentimes, universities will not allow their librarians to stay in one rank for a long time and they will have certain timelines for the librarian’s growth within the institution. What’s more, there are more executive and specialized positions available in academic libraries which means that you will be able to gain a higher salary by applying for one of those positions. 

How can an academic librarian get tenured and how does this affect their lifetime earning potential?

The framework that one needs to follow to attain tenure as a librarian varies based on each institution. Normally, your institution will have a document dictating the exact process for the attainment of tenure. It will also disclose all the steps that you will need to take in the process. 

Tenure for an academic librarian means that they will have income stability. They are also much less likely to lose their job and in the case that they do, they are guaranteed higher compensation. This means that planning and allocating your funds each year becomes much easier as there is no job insecurity in your future. 

Government or non-profit resources within South Dakota providing assistance for better academic librarian pay (please provide links to their websites here).

Academic librarians normally tend to lobby for better pay within their institutions. This is because their salaries are determined by the institution’s allocation of funds and not by the state. However, many librarians may also choose to lobby for better salaries for academic librarians in the entire state. In those cases, that individual can join the South Dakota Library Association and benefit from their advocacy resources and connections.