Esthetician in South Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
South Dakota employs 150 estheticians, with a statewide median of $38,230 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact South Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Estheticians Earn in South Dakota (May 2025)
- South Dakota median pay
- $38,230 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $24,450
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $46,110
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $52,350
- Employed in South Dakota
- 150
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $41,010 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for estheticians in major South Dakota markets:
- Rapid City
- $38,580 (30 employed)
- Sioux Falls
- $31,580 (90 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 $38,230 median stretches to roughly $43,149 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in South Dakota (2024–2034)
South Dakota is projected to grow estheticians employment +8.5%, faster than the +6.7% projected nationally. The state expects about 40 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
South Dakota License and Certification Requirements
Esthetician license — regulated by the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission (DLR).
- Complete 600 hours at a licensed school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission (DLR).
Official requirements: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission (DLR) →
Training in South Dakota
Medical-spa and dermatology-office roles tend to pay more than traditional spas.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in South Dakota include:
- Lake Area Technical College — Certificate
- Paul Mitchell the School-Rapid City — Certificate
- Stewart School — Certificate
- The Salon Professional Academy — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who enjoy beauty, wellness, and client relationships and want a licensed practice with a realistic path to self-employment.
Think twice if: Standing all day, irregular income as a booth renter, and licensing hours that vary wildly by state sound difficult.
Why it's resilient: Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
First Steps
Check your state's required training hours — they range from 260 to 1,500 hours — and find an accredited esthetics school.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do estheticians make in South Dakota?
The median wage for estheticians in South Dakota is $38,230 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $24,450, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $52,350. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Esthetician in South Dakota?
Esthetician license, overseen by the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission (DLR). Complete 600 hours at a licensed school.
Is being an Esthetician a good career in South Dakota?
Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
Which South Dakota metros pay estheticians the most?
Among South Dakota metro areas, Rapid City leads at $38,580, followed by Sioux Falls ($31,580). 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 Esthetician in South Dakota?
Real South Dakota options include Lake Area Technical College, Paul Mitchell the School-Rapid City, Stewart School. Most estheticians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Esthetician a growing career in South Dakota?
South Dakota projects estheticians employment to change +8.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 40 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 39-5094. Licensing summary compiled from the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission (DLR) (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.