License Requirements in South Dakota
Browse all 79 trade and professional licenses in South Dakota (SD). 55 require a state-level license.
Last updated 2026-05-08
By the numbers: 55 of 79 trades require a state-level license from a South Dakota Department, Board, or licensing Authority. Renewal periods, Continuing Education Hours, and Application Fees vary by trade — see each trade page for the specifics.
| Trade | License Required | Median Salary |
|---|
| 🚨Alarm Installer |
Required |
$43,005 |
| 📏Architect |
Required |
$82,112 |
| ⚠️Asbestos Abatement Worker |
Required |
$42,301 |
| 🔨Auctioneer |
Required |
$31,530 |
| 🔗Bail Bondsman |
Required |
$37,259 |
| 💈Barber |
Required |
$28,890 |
| ♨️Boiler Operator |
Required |
$54,736 |
| 🚛CDL Driver |
Required |
$49,120 |
| 📊CPA |
Required |
$66,890 |
| 🏠Chimney Sweep |
Not Required |
$37,558 |
| ✈️Commercial Pilot |
Required |
$118,474 |
| ✂️Cosmetologist |
Required |
$27,890 |
| ⚖️Court Reporter |
Not Required |
$55,932 |
| 🏗️Crane Operator |
Not Required |
$53,072 |
| 💥Demolition Contractor |
Not Required |
$54,912 |
| 🦷Dental Hygienist |
Required |
$72,340 |
| 🚰Drinking Water Operator |
Required |
$47,009 |
| 🚑EMT / Paramedic |
Required |
$35,983 |
| ⚡Electrician |
Required |
$51,940 |
| 🛗Elevator Mechanic |
Required |
$90,129 |
| 🌍Environmental Scientist |
Not Required |
$69,502 |
| 🧴Esthetician |
Required |
$34,161 |
| 🧯Fire Sprinkler Fitter |
Required |
$56,196 |
| ⚱️Funeral Director |
Required |
$57,622 |
| 🏗️General Contractor |
Required |
$65,120 |
| 🪨Geologist |
Not Required |
$74,465 |
| 🪟Glazier |
Not Required |
$42,530 |
| ❄️HVAC Technician |
Required |
$46,780 |
| 👂Hearing Aid Specialist |
Required |
$51,629 |
| 🔍Home Inspector |
Required |
$48,670 |
| 🧱Insulation Worker |
Not Required |
$43,252 |
| 📋Insurance Agent |
Required |
$50,670 |
| 🗣️Interpreter |
Not Required |
$50,239 |
| 🗺️Land Surveyor |
Required |
$60,341 |
| 🌿Landscape Contractor |
Not Required |
$49,121 |
| 🛡️Lead Abatement Worker |
Required |
$40,664 |
| 💉Licensed Practical Nurse |
Required |
$52,562 |
| 🔐Locksmith |
Not Required |
$40,048 |
| 💆Massage Therapist |
Required |
$43,876 |
| 🦠Mold Remediation |
Not Required |
$40,928 |
| 🏦Mortgage Loan Originator |
Required |
$60,244 |
| 💅Nail Technician |
Required |
$29,832 |
| 📜Notary Public |
Required |
— |
| 👓Optician |
Not Required |
$38,940 |
| 🐛Pest Control Operator |
Required |
$34,670 |
| 🧪Pesticide Applicator |
Required |
$35,340 |
| 💊Pharmacy Technician |
Required |
$35,464 |
| 🏃Physical Therapy Assistant |
Required |
$56,390 |
| 🔩Pipefitter |
Required |
$55,580 |
| 🔧Plumber |
Required |
$50,120 |
| 📊Polygraph Examiner |
Not Required |
$59,945 |
| 🏊Pool Contractor |
Not Required |
$51,339 |
| 🕵️Private Investigator |
Not Required |
$52,052 |
| 📨Process Server |
Not Required |
$34,029 |
| ⚙️Professional Engineer |
Required |
$88,563 |
| 📡Radiologic Technologist |
Required |
$64,600 |
| ☢️Radon Mitigation |
Not Required |
$44,105 |
| 🏠Real Estate Agent |
Required |
$42,120 |
| 📐Real Estate Appraiser |
Required |
$53,979 |
| 🩺Registered Nurse |
Required |
$60,120 |
| 🫁Respiratory Therapist |
Required |
$68,604 |
| 🏘️Roofing Contractor |
Required |
$40,120 |
| 🚌School Bus Driver |
Required |
$35,842 |
| 🎓School Counselor |
Required |
$54,304 |
| 🛡️Security Guard |
Not Required |
$31,310 |
| 🚽Septic System Installer |
Required |
$43,049 |
| 🔨Sheet Metal Worker |
Required |
$51,849 |
| 🔎Skip Tracer |
Not Required |
$37,452 |
| 🤝Social Worker |
Required |
$51,374 |
| ☀️Solar Installer |
Not Required |
$41,949 |
| 💪Substance Abuse Counselor |
Required |
$47,264 |
| 🎨Tattoo Artist |
Not Required |
$37,646 |
| 📚Teacher |
Required |
$58,429 |
| 🚗Tow Truck Operator |
Not Required |
$33,809 |
| 🐾Veterinary Technician |
Required |
$38,491 |
| 🏭Wastewater Operator |
Required |
$47,009 |
| 🚰Water Treatment Operator |
Required |
$47,009 |
| 🔥Welder |
Not Required |
$42,120 |
| 💧Well Driller |
Required |
$46,147 |
Common questions about South Dakota licensing
Which trades require a state-level license in South Dakota?
55 of the 79 trades on this page require a South Dakota state license. The remainder are licensed at the local/county level or not at all.
Who issues professional licenses in South Dakota?
Most occupational licenses in South Dakota are issued by the relevant state Department or licensing Board listed on each individual trade page. Renewal periods are typically 1–3 years and most boards require Continuing Education Hours between renewals.
Can I transfer my license from another state to South Dakota?
Reciprocity varies by trade. South Dakota accepts some out-of-state licenses by endorsement after Experience and Exam verification — check the trade-specific page for the exact policy.
Data last verified 2026. Salary data from BLS OEWS. Always verify with the relevant South Dakota licensing board.