Auto Technician in South Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
South Dakota employs 2,010 auto technicians, with a statewide median of $51,160 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact South Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Auto technicians Earn in South Dakota (May 2025)
- South Dakota median pay
- $51,160 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $38,670
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $61,610
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $80,500
- Employed in South Dakota
- 2,010
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $49,670 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for auto technicians in major South Dakota markets:
- Sioux Falls
- $59,190 (720 employed)
- Rapid City
- $58,980 (360 employed)
- Sioux City
- $54,230 (330 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in South Dakota
Prices in South Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 88.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $51,160 median stretches to roughly $57,743 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in South Dakota (2024–2034)
South Dakota is projected to grow auto technicians employment +11.4%, faster than the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 240 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
South Dakota License and Certification Requirements
No state license; ASE certification (voluntary) — regulated by the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard.
- South Dakota does not license auto technicians.
- Train through a technical-college automotive program or a dealer/independent shop apprenticeship.
- Earn ASE certifications (A1–A8) as you gain experience — they drive pay and hiring.
Official requirements: No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard →
Training in South Dakota
Dealer/manufacturer training plus ASE certs raise your rate fastest. Steady demand around Sioux Falls and Rapid City.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in South Dakota include:
- Lake Area Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Mitchell Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Oglala Lakota College — Associate
- Southeast Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Mechanical thinkers who like troubleshooting tangible systems.
Think twice if: You want clean, quiet work or dislike changing technology and tight labor times.
Why it's resilient: Vehicles still need physical diagnosis, repair, inspection, and customer trust, even as tools get smarter.
First Steps
Look into ASE-aligned programs, apprenticeships, and entry-level shop roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do auto technicians make in South Dakota?
The median wage for auto technicians in South Dakota is $51,160 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,670, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $80,500. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Auto Technician in South Dakota?
No state license; ASE certification (voluntary), overseen by the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard. South Dakota does not license auto technicians.
Is being an Auto Technician a good career in South Dakota?
Vehicles still need physical diagnosis, repair, inspection, and customer trust, even as tools get smarter.
Which South Dakota metros pay auto technicians the most?
Among South Dakota metro areas, Sioux Falls leads at $59,190, followed by Rapid City ($58,980), Sioux City ($54,230). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Auto Technician in South Dakota?
Real South Dakota options include Lake Area Technical College, Mitchell Technical College, Oglala Lakota College. Most auto technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Auto Technician a growing career in South Dakota?
South Dakota projects auto technicians employment to change +11.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 240 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), South Dakota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-3023. Licensing summary compiled from the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET South Dakota wages · South Dakota licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.