Licensing Guides
South Dakota Electrical License: How to Become an Electrician in South Dakota
Electrical, SD
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in South Dakota
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in South Dakota
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in South Dakota?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in South Dakota?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in South Dakota?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in South Dakota?
Does My South Dakota Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in South Dakota?
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in South Dakota?
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in South Dakota?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in South Dakota?
Working with electricity is a dangerous and demanding job, but with the right education and training you can learn how to do it right and become an electrical professional in South Dakota.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide, and 2,980 work in South Dakota.
The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. That growth rate in South Dakota is projected at 17%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals, while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in South Dakota in July 2025 totaled 30,400, an increase of 1,300 (4.5%) from July 2024 and an increase of 6,400 or 27% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in South Dakota
Is a state license required to be an electrician in South Dakota? Yes.
The state of South Dakota requires licensure to perform electrical work. The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation through the South Dakota Electrical Commission issues electrician licenses. Even apprentice electricians must first register with the commission and pay a $20 apprentice license fee.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in South Dakota
There are different requirements for each level of licensing in the electrical field in South Dakota. However, at every level, a license is required by law. For each you must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Meet work experience requirements.
Pass the required exam.
Pay all applicable fees.
Apply for your license.
How to Become an Electrician in South Dakota
To become a licensed electrician in South Dakota, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet the educational/experience requirements
Pass the required exam.
Pay all applicable fees.
Obtain bond for Contractor or Class B license.
Below are the specifics for each license.
JOURNEYMAN
Work experience: Gain four years (8,000 hours) of experience working under a licensed contractor.
Pass licensing exam: Administered by the State Electrical Commission.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay fee: $60 application fee | $80 license fee.
Limitations: Qualified to perform electrical installation and maintenance work under their license, but not authorized to operate independently as a contractor.
CLASS B ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: Requires at least two years of experience working as a licensed journeyman electrician under a licensed Class B electrician or electrical contractor, and experience with residential or farmstead wiring.
Pass licensing exam: Administered by the South Dakota Electrical Commission.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay fee: $60 application fee | $100 license fee.
Limitations: Class B electricians work independently on most electrical jobs and can pull wiring permits. They are not authorized to operate as full electrical contractors. Bond and insurance are required.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Work experience: Requires two years as a journeyman (with a total of 4,000 hours of additional work under a contractor, including a minimum of 2,000 hours of commercial work).
Pass licensing exam: Administered by the South Dakota Electrical Commission.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay fee: $60 application fee | $200 license fee.
Limitations: Electrical contractors can operate their own electrical business, pull permits, and contract for electrical work. They must maintain the required bond and liability insurance while licensed.
ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR
Work experience: Must be a graduate of a recognized electrical school with at least four years of experience, or have at least six years of practical electrical wiring experience.
Pass licensing exam: Administered by the South Dakota Electrical Commission.
Apply for license: License application includes questions about work experience, educational record, and criminal history.
Pay fee: $60 application fee | $100 license fee.
Limitations: Electrical inspectors may enforce state electrical codes and inspect installations.
Types of Electrical Licenses in South Dakota
What are the different types of electrician licenses in South Dakota? There are four different types of electrical licenses in South Dakota:
Journeyman
A Journeyman Electrician is a fully trained electrician who performs electrical installation, maintenance, and repair work under the authority of a licensed Class B electrician or Electrical Contractor. Journeymen have completed the required education and on-the-job experience and passed the state licensing exam. They cannot operate an electrical business or pull permits independently.
Class B Electrician
A Class B Electrician is authorized to work independently and supervise electrical work, typically in residential, farm, and certain commercial or light industrial settings. This license allows electricians to pull permits and contract directly for work, but it does not allow them to operate as a full electrical contracting business. Bonding and insurance are required.
Electrical Contractor
An Electrical Contractor, also referred to as a Master Electrician, is licensed to operate an electrical contracting business. This license allows individuals or companies to bid on jobs, hire and supervise electricians, pull permits, and take legal responsibility for all electrical work performed by the business. Contractors must meet experience requirements, pass the contractor exam, and carry required bonding and liability insurance.
Electrical Inspector
An Electrical Inspector is licensed to inspect electrical installations for compliance with state and local electrical codes. Inspectors ensure that electrical systems are installed safely and correctly. This role focuses on code enforcement and public safety rather than performing electrical installation work.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in South Dakota
There are many benefits to getting your electrical license in South Dakota.
First and most important, it is required by law in South Dakota to be licensed through the state to legally perform any electrical work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
You begin earning money from the very first day you begin the process of becoming an electrician.
It protects your company and customers.
It gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
As you build on your expertise your earning potential increases and you have more authority to pull building permits and bid on projects.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in South Dakota?
The annual mean wage for electricians in South Dakota is $61,980 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An electrician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median electrician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.59% for entry-level workers, 3.24% for intermediate level, and 3.15% for senior level electricians. In South Dakota, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $56,000
Intermediate (2-4 years): $65,800
Senior (4-7 years): $70,900
Salaries can vary widely. depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an electrical business, this blog can give you an idea of how to improve your profit margins.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in South Dakota?
The cost of a license varies in South Dakota, depending on the level. The fees for each are listed on the license application.
Journeyman: $60 application fee | $80 license fee.
Class B Electrician: $60 application fee | $100 license fee.
Electrical Contractor: $60 application fee | $200 license fee.
Electrical Inspector: $60 application fee | $100 license fee.
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How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in South Dakota?
Earning a journeyman electrician license requires 8,000 hours, or four years of full-time electrical trade experience. You must maintain a journeyman electrician license for two years before becoming eligible to earn an electrical contractor license.
South Dakota Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in South Dakota.
Apprenticeship: Union apprenticeship programs are available through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). The Dakotas Area Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Fund offers apprenticeships in Rapid City and Sioux Falls.
Non-union apprenticeship programs are available through Independent Electrical Contractors Dakotas, which has an office in Pierre. The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation also offers apprenticeships through Muth Electric Inc. in Mitchell.
Education: There are many community colleges, trade schools, and technical and vocational schools that offer the training you need to become a licensed electrician in South Dakota. You can find training locations across the state, including big cities and smaller communities.
Some South Dakota electrical schools include:
Mitchell Technical Institute in Mitchell offers a certificate and associate degree program in electrical utilities and substation technology.
Western Dakota Technical Institute in Rapid City offers an associate degree program in electrical trades.
Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls offers an electrician associate degree program.
Tuition: Community College Review shows tuition at South Dakota community colleges on average is $5,786 per year for in-state students and out-of-state students.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in South Dakota, check out our post — Electrician Schools in South Dakota: The Ultimate Guide.
South Dakota Electrician Licensing Exam Details
The South Dakota Electrical Commission administers electrical exams. You must receive prior written approval before taking the journeyman licensing exam or the electrical contractor licensing exam. To obtain written approval, submit your application, along with supporting documentation, such as experience verification forms, to:
South Dakota Electrical Commission 308 S. Pierre St. Pierre, SD 57501
Both the journeyman and the electrical contractor exams require a passing score of at least 70%. The exams cover the following topics:
General Knowledge
The National Electrical Code (NEC)
Services and Service
Feeders
Branch Circuits
Wiring Methods and Materials
Equipment and Devices
Control Devices
Motors and Generators and Special Occupancies
Equipment and Conditions
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in South Dakota?
At each level you must complete a certain amount of training before sitting for the exam. Your apprenticeship classes will help prepare you for the examination. You will want to study the National Electrical Code (NEC) as well as the South Dakota Electrical Code.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in South Dakota?
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation issues electrician licenses through the South Dakota Electrical Commission.
Does My South Dakota Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
Yes. South Dakota has electrician licensing reciprocity with many states, including Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in South Dakota?
South Dakota grants reciprocity without an examination if candidates pay the required fee and hold a license from a state the Commission recognizes as equivalent.
National Electrician Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The main national electrical certifications are:
Independent Electrical Contractors certification
National Fire Protection Association certification
Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Electrician Scholarships in South Dakota?
Yes, there are electrician scholarships available in South Dakota. Options include:
Build Dakota Scholarship: In partnership with Southeast Technical College, the scholarship covers 100% of tuition, fees, books, technology, and tools for eligible students.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative Scholarship: Offers $1,000 scholarships for children of member-owners.
Codington-Clark Electric Cooperative (CCEC) Scholarship: Offers $500-$1,000 scholarships for children of members.
Every scholarship has slightly different requirements and application processes but in general you will need to:
Visit the organization's website.
Fill out an application.
Include a letter or letters of recommendation.
Wait for scholarships to be awarded.
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in South Dakota?
To verify a license, contact the Electrical Commission at 605-773-3573 or electrical@state.sd.us.
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in South Dakota?
A suspended electrical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that South Dakota electrician licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud in obtaining a license
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Unethical conduct or practice harmful to the public
Habitual intoxication or addiction to drugs
Client fraud
Code violations
Electrical permit abuse
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about South Dakota electrician and electrical contractor license regulations, you can refer to the Administrative Rules of South Dakota.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in South Dakota?
Unlicensed electrical work in South Dakota is generally prosecuted as a misdemeanor, with penalties up to one year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine for Class 1 offenses.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about South Dakota electrician and electrical contractor license regulations, you can refer to the Administrative Rules of South Dakota.
Continuing Education
To renew your license (every even year) you must have at least 16 hours of continuing education by the time of license renewal or by June 30, whichever is sooner. Eight hours must be National Electric Code-related. The remaining eight hours may be non-code.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrician industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrician business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
