Electrician in South Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
South Dakota employs 2,980 electricians, with a statewide median of $61,390 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact South Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Electricians Earn in South Dakota (May 2025)
- South Dakota median pay
- $61,390 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $44,320
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $72,450
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $80,060
- Employed in South Dakota
- 2,980
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,350 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for electricians in major South Dakota markets:
- Sioux City
- $73,910 (300 employed)
- Sioux Falls
- $61,470 (1,330 employed)
- Rapid City
- $61,160 (460 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 $61,390 median stretches to roughly $69,289 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in South Dakota (2024–2034)
South Dakota is projected to grow electricians employment +15.7%, faster than the +9.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 330 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
South Dakota License and Certification Requirements
Journeyman Electrician license — regulated by the South Dakota DLR — State Electrical Commission.
- Be 18+ with a high-school diploma/GED and work as an apprentice for four years (8,000 hours).
- Pass the journeyman electrician exam.
- Apply to the SD State Electrical Commission (DLR); advance to a contractor license to run your own jobs.
Official requirements: South Dakota DLR — State Electrical Commission →
Training in South Dakota
IBEW/IEC apprenticeships are the earn-while-you-learn route to the 8,000 hours. South Dakota licenses electricians statewide.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in South Dakota include:
- Mitchell Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Oglala Lakota College — Associate
- Sinte Gleska University — Certificate
- Southeast Technical College — Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who like tools, systems, problem solving, and earning while they train.
Think twice if: You need desk-only work or dislike tight spaces, heights, job sites, and physical risk.
Why it's resilient: Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
First Steps
Look for IBEW, IEC, ABC, or state apprenticeship openings near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make in South Dakota?
The median wage for electricians in South Dakota is $61,390 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $44,320, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $80,060. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Electrician in South Dakota?
Journeyman Electrician license, overseen by the South Dakota DLR — State Electrical Commission. Be 18+ with a high-school diploma/GED and work as an apprentice for four years (8,000 hours).
Is being an Electrician a good career in South Dakota?
Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
Which South Dakota metros pay electricians the most?
Among South Dakota metro areas, Sioux City leads at $73,910, followed by Sioux Falls ($61,470), Rapid City ($61,160). 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 Electrician in South Dakota?
Real South Dakota options include Mitchell Technical College, Oglala Lakota College, Sinte Gleska University. Most electricians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Electrician a growing career in South Dakota?
South Dakota projects electricians employment to change +15.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 330 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 47-2111. Licensing summary compiled from the South Dakota DLR — State Electrical Commission (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.