Radiologic Technologist in South Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
South Dakota employs 980 radiologic technologists, with a statewide median of $65,240 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact South Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Radiologic technologists Earn in South Dakota (May 2025)
- South Dakota median pay
- $65,240 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $48,730
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $79,770
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $89,710
- Employed in South Dakota
- 980
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $77,660 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for radiologic technologists in major South Dakota markets:
- Rapid City
- $67,210 (130 employed)
- Sioux Falls
- $65,030 (450 employed)
- Sioux City
- $64,260 (150 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 $65,240 median stretches to roughly $73,634 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in South Dakota (2024–2034)
South Dakota is projected to grow radiologic technologists employment +11.9%, faster than the +4.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 70 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
South Dakota License and Certification Requirements
No state license; ARRT (Radiography) certification — regulated by the No South Dakota state license — ARRT certification is the standard.
- South Dakota does not require a separate state radiographer license.
- Complete a JRCERT-accredited radiography program (typically a 2-year associate).
- Pass the ARRT exam and earn the R.T.(R) credential — employers require it.
Official requirements: No South Dakota state license — ARRT certification is the standard →
Training in South Dakota
Employers require ARRT even without a state license. Community-college radiography programs are the affordable route.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in South Dakota include:
- Augustana University — Bachelor's
- Dakota State University — Associate / Bachelor's
- Dakota Wesleyan University — Bachelor's
- Lake Area Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Where Radiologic technologists Work in South Dakota
Real South Dakota hospitals that employ radiologic technologists include:
- Sanford Usd Medical Center — Sioux Falls
- Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center — Sioux Falls
- V a Black Hills Health Care — Fort Meade
- Monument Health Rapid City Hospital — Rapid City
- Sioux Falls V a Medical Center — Sioux Falls
- Avera Sacred Heart Hospital — Yankton
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want healthcare without becoming a nurse or physician.
Think twice if: You dislike hospitals, patient contact, standing, or precise technical routines.
Why it's resilient: Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
First Steps
Find accredited radiography programs and compare clinical placement requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologic technologists make in South Dakota?
The median wage for radiologic technologists in South Dakota is $65,240 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,730, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $89,710. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Radiologic Technologist in South Dakota?
No state license; ARRT (Radiography) certification, overseen by the No South Dakota state license — ARRT certification is the standard. South Dakota does not require a separate state radiographer license.
Is being a Radiologic Technologist a good career in South Dakota?
Imaging work uses equipment, patient positioning, safety protocols, and clinical judgment in healthcare settings.
Which South Dakota metros pay radiologic technologists the most?
Among South Dakota metro areas, Rapid City leads at $67,210, followed by Sioux Falls ($65,030), Sioux City ($64,260). 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 a Radiologic Technologist in South Dakota?
Real South Dakota options include Augustana University, Dakota State University, Dakota Wesleyan University. Most radiologic technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Radiologic Technologist a growing career in South Dakota?
South Dakota projects radiologic technologists employment to change +11.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 70 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 29-2034. Licensing summary compiled from the No South Dakota state license — ARRT certification is the 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; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
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.