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Sheet Metal Worker in South Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Skilled trades

South Dakota employs 320 sheet metal workers, with a statewide median of $47,800 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact South Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.

What Sheet metal workers Earn in South Dakota (May 2025)

South Dakota median pay: $47,800 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $38,420
Experienced (75th percentile): $60,330
Top earners (90th percentile): $86,780
Employed in South Dakota: 320
U.S. median (for comparison): $60,750 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for sheet metal workers in major South Dakota markets:

Sioux City: $67,350 (50 employed)
Sioux Falls: $48,310 (170 employed)
Rapid City: $44,280 (70 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 $47,800 median stretches to roughly $53,950 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in South Dakota (2024–2034)

South Dakota is projected to grow sheet metal workers employment +4.7%, faster than the +2.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 50 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

South Dakota License and Certification Requirements

No state license; SMART/SMACNA apprenticeship — regulated by the No South Dakota state license — SMART apprenticeship path.

South Dakota does not license sheet-metal workers.
Apply to a SMART sheet-metal apprenticeship (earn-while-you-learn, ~4–5 years).
Complete on-the-job training plus related instruction in fabrication and HVAC duct work.

Official requirements: No South Dakota state license — SMART apprenticeship path →

Training in South Dakota

Combines fabrication and HVAC install; union (SMART/SMACNA) training centers are the main entry. Commercial and industrial construction drive demand.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in South Dakota include:

Lake Area Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Mitchell Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Southeast Technical College — Certificate
Western Dakota Technical College — Certificate / Associate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who like precision fabrication work and are comfortable with rooftops, ladders, and construction sites.

Think twice if: Sharp metal edges, heights, loud fabrication shops, and seasonal outdoor work sound unappealing.

Why it's resilient: Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, and building components — skilled licensed work requiring physical presence on every job.

First Steps

Look for SMART (International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers) apprenticeship openings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do sheet metal workers make in South Dakota?

The median wage for sheet metal workers in South Dakota is $47,800 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,420, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $86,780. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Sheet Metal Worker in South Dakota?

No state license; SMART/SMACNA apprenticeship, overseen by the No South Dakota state license — SMART apprenticeship path. South Dakota does not license sheet-metal workers.

Is being a Sheet Metal Worker a good career in South Dakota?

Sheet metal workers fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, and building components — skilled licensed work requiring physical presence on every job.

Which South Dakota metros pay sheet metal workers the most?

Among South Dakota metro areas, Sioux City leads at $67,350, followed by Sioux Falls ($48,310), Rapid City ($44,280). 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 Sheet Metal Worker in South Dakota?

Real South Dakota options include Lake Area Technical College, Mitchell Technical College, Southeast Technical College. Most sheet metal workers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Sheet Metal Worker a growing career in South Dakota?

South Dakota projects sheet metal workers employment to change +4.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 50 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 47-2211. Licensing summary compiled from the No South Dakota state license — SMART apprenticeship path (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.