Elevator Mechanic in South Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Elevator mechanics in South Dakota earn a statewide median of $116,320, with wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact South Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Elevator mechanics Earn in South Dakota (May 2025)
- South Dakota median pay
- $116,320 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $83,270
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $119,240
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $120,090
- Employed in South Dakota
- Not published (BLS suppressed)
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $99,000 (May 2024)
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 $116,320 median stretches to roughly $131,287 in national buying-power terms.
South Dakota License and Certification Requirements
Conveyance work via apprenticeship (state regulates elevator safety/inspections) — regulated by the South Dakota — elevator safety/inspections regulated; union apprenticeship.
- Enter the trade through the NEIEP apprenticeship (IUEC) — earn while you learn.
- Accumulate the required years of conveyance experience plus related instruction.
- Complete any required registration; elevator safety and inspections are regulated in South Dakota.
Official requirements: South Dakota — elevator safety/inspections regulated; union apprenticeship →
Training in South Dakota
One of the highest-paid trades; entry is competitive and union-driven. Apply to NEIEP/IUEC openings when they post.
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want top-tier trade wages, don't mind heights and confined spaces, and are comfortable with both electrical and mechanical systems.
Think twice if: Claustrophobia, heights, or working alone in machine rooms and shafts sounds difficult.
Why it's resilient: Elevator installation and repair requires licensed, site-specific mechanical and electrical work inside buildings that will always need working vertical transport.
First Steps
Find your local NEIEP (National Elevator Industry Educational Program) or IUEC apprenticeship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do elevator mechanics make in South Dakota?
The median wage for elevator mechanics in South Dakota is $116,320 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $83,270, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $120,090. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Elevator Mechanic in South Dakota?
Conveyance work via apprenticeship (state regulates elevator safety/inspections), overseen by the South Dakota — elevator safety/inspections regulated; union apprenticeship. Enter the trade through the NEIEP apprenticeship (IUEC) — earn while you learn.
Is being an Elevator Mechanic a good career in South Dakota?
Elevator installation and repair requires licensed, site-specific mechanical and electrical work inside buildings that will always need working vertical transport.
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 47-4021. Licensing summary compiled from the South Dakota — elevator safety/inspections regulated; union apprenticeship (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
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.