Solar Installer in South Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Energy
South Dakota employs 50 solar installers, with a statewide median of $42,380 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact South Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Solar installers Earn in South Dakota (May 2025)
- South Dakota median pay
- $42,380 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $37,560
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $67,180
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $73,590
- Employed in South Dakota
- 50
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $51,860 (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 $42,380 median stretches to roughly $47,833 in national buying-power terms.
South Dakota License and Certification Requirements
No solar-specific license; NABCEP certification is the credential — regulated by the No dedicated South Dakota license — PV electrical work falls under electrical licensing.
- South Dakota has no standalone solar license; the electrical portion of PV work is done by/under licensed electricians.
- Start as an installer/helper with a solar company to learn the trade.
- Earn the NABCEP PV Installation Professional credential to advance.
Training in South Dakota
South Dakota's solar market is smaller but growing. Pairing solar with electrical experience opens the best-paid roles.
Where Solar installers Work in South Dakota
Real South Dakota power plants that employ solar installers include:
- Dakota Range Wind — Marvin
- Deuel Harvest Wind Energy LLC — Clear Lake
- Triple H Wind Project — Highmore
- Prevailing Wind Park — Lesterville
- Buffalo Ridge II LLC — Elkton
- Crowned Ridge Wind II Energy Center — Watertown
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want fast entry into energy work and can handle roofs and outdoor labor.
Think twice if: You need high starting pay, indoor work, or stable hours from day one.
Why it's resilient: Installation is physical and local, though the work can be sensitive to incentives and construction cycles.
First Steps
Find local installers hiring helpers and compare NABCEP-aligned training options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar installers make in South Dakota?
The median wage for solar installers in South Dakota is $42,380 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $37,560, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $73,590. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Solar Installer in South Dakota?
No solar-specific license; NABCEP certification is the credential, overseen by the No dedicated South Dakota license — PV electrical work falls under electrical licensing. South Dakota has no standalone solar license; the electrical portion of PV work is done by/under licensed electricians.
Is being a Solar Installer a good career in South Dakota?
Installation is physical and local, though the work can be sensitive to incentives and construction cycles.
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 47-2231. Licensing summary compiled from the No dedicated South Dakota license — PV electrical work falls under electrical licensing (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; 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.