Licensing Guides

State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in South Dakota

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Table of Contents

  1. Roofing License Requirements in South Dakota

  2. Types of Roofing Licenses in South Dakota

  3. Steps to Get a Roofing License in South Dakota

  4. Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in South Dakota

  5. What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in South Dakota?

  6. How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in South Dakota?

  7. How to Get a Roofing License in South Dakota

  8. How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in South Dakota?

  9. South Dakota Roofer Training Programs and Schools

  10. South Dakota Roofing Licensing Exam Details

  11. Who Issues Roofing Licenses in South Dakota?

  12. Do I Need to Renew My South Dakota Roofing License?

  13. Continuing Education

  14. Does South Dakota Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

  15. Does My South Dakota Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?

  16. National Roofing Certifications

  17. Other Requirements Unique to South Dakota


We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain that part of our homes need to know what they’re doing. Many states require roofers to be licensed. Others simply require solid insurance to back up that essential work. 

There are 135,140 roofers nationwide, according to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics, and South Dakota employs 410 of them. The national number is projected to grow  6% from 2023 to 2033, adding more than 13,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. According to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in South Dakota is more than two times that at 13%.

If you’re thinking about starting a roofing business or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started. 

Roofing License Requirements in South Dakota

South Dakota doesn’t require roofing contractor licenses at the state level. However, many cities and counties in South Dakota require a business license for contractors who perform roofing work.

South Dakota requires all contractors, whether building, remodeling, or repairing property, to hold a state contractor's excise tax license. The state imposes a 2% excise tax on the gross receipts for construction projects.

Types of Roofing Licenses in South Dakota

Since there’s no South Dakota contractor license, contractor license types vary by municipality or county.

Roofing contractor licenses in the City of Sioux Falls include:

  • Residential roofing and repair contractor license: This license is for contractors performing shingling, siding, or window and door replacement with no structural changes on residential single- and two-family dwellings and townhomes within the city.

  • Residential building contractor license: This license covers residential work requiring a building permit, which includes new construction, shingles, building sheds and decks, sheetrock replacement, replacing exterior doors or windows, and basement finishing.

The city does not require a license for a general contractor working on commercial projects, but individual projects must go through a plan review process to acquire proper permits.

In Rapid City, contractor licenses include:

  • Roofing contractor, Class R

  • Residential contractor, Class B

  • Commercial contractor, Class A

Steps to Get a Roofing License in South Dakota

While there’s no statewide roofing or general contractor license, each city or county establishes contractor license requirements for roofing or construction work. You’ll need to check with each locality where you plan to work to obtain the proper licenses.

All contractors must apply for the contractor excise tax license through the  South Dakota Department of Revenue  in Pierre before applying for licensing at the local level. The state requires this license for those constructing, building, installing, or repairing property. 

The steps to get a contractor license are similar in many South Dakota cities, including:

  1. Take and pass a licensing examination, if required

  2. Complete a licensing application and submit in person or by mail, along with:

    1. A copy of the state’s contractor excise tax license

    2. A certificate of liability insurance

    3. Proof of a compliance bond, if required

    4. Proof of workers’ compensation insurance, if required

  3. Pay the application fee

Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in South Dakota

There are many benefits to obtaining a roofing or building contractor license in South Dakota.

  • First, and most important, it is illegal for contractors to perform roofing work without the proper licensing from the city or county.

  • Licensing proves your experience and skill in the roofing industry.

  • In most cases, only contractors with the appropriate licenses from the city or county can perform work in South Dakota.

  • Being properly registered protects your company and customers.

  • Licensing gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.

  • It also increases your earning potential.

What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in South Dakota?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $40,540 for those in  South Dakota. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.

According to Indeed.com, the average wage for a  roofer in South Dakota is $20 per hour, the same as the national average, with $6,375 of overtime per year.

Indeed also lists a salary for a  roofing and siding contractor in South Dakota as $66,542 annually.

Pay ranges can vary widely, depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. 

What Business Owners Need to Know

Getting the most out of a roofing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based,  all-in-one roofing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it effectively. 

ServiceTitan features:

  • 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 the average ticket.

  • 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 a Roofing License in South Dakota?

Getting started in the roofing field in South Dakota is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job.

If you plan to work in an area where roofing contractors need a license to legally operate, you’ll need to pay the license fee and an exam fee, if the city you’re working in requires an exam.

There is also the expense of securing the various types of insurance required for licensure, such as liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.

Costs associated with obtaining a contractor license may include:

  • A compliance bond, which has variable rates based on your credit score and other factors.

  • The average cost of workers’ compensation insurance in South Dakota is  $0.92 per $100 of payroll.

  • The average cost of general liability insurance is  $504 per year.

  • Sioux Falls charges a $200 licensing fee and a $75 exam fee.

  • Rapid City charges a $200 licensing fee.

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How to Get a Roofing License in South Dakota

To get a roofing contractor license in South Dakota, you’ll need to check the requirements of each city or county where you plan to perform work.

In Sioux Falls, licensure requires bonding and insurance to protect the contractor, the homeowner, and the city. The application process for the  residential roofing and repair contractor license or a residential building contractor license in Sioux Falls is the same.

To apply for contractor licenses in Sioux Falls:

  • Take and pass the appropriate exam, either the residential roofing and repair contractor or the construction supervisor examination.

  • Download the application and submit in person or by mail.

  • Submit a $20,000 compliance bond.

  • Provide a certificate of liability insurance with a minimum of $300,000.

  • Pay the $300 application fee/license fee.

Complete the following steps to obtain a roofing, residential contractor, or commercial contractor license in Rapid City:

  • Complete a contractor license application.

  • Submit a copy of the state’s contractor excise tax license.

  • Submit a certificate of insurance naming “City of Rapid City” as the certificate holder with a minimum required general aggregate liability of $1 million.

  • Submit proof of workers’ compensation insurance.

  • Pay the $200 license fee.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in South Dakota?

Because South Dakota doesn’t require a state license for roofing or contracting, the length of time depends on each municipality’s requirements and whether you’ll need to take an exam.

South Dakota Roofer Training Programs and Schools

If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction technology or construction management. There are many higher education options throughout the Mount Rushmore State that offer these types of programs.

Here are a few options:

Lake Area Technical College | Watertown | Building Trades Technology program — 18 months

Mitchell Technical College | Mitchell | AAS Architectural Design and Building Construction — 2 years

South Dakota State University | Brookings | Pre-Construction Planning Certificate — 12 credits | AS Construction Technology — 2 years | BS Construction Management — 4 years

Southeast Technical College | Sioux Falls | Commercial, General, or Residential Construction Certificate — 7 to 8 credits AAS Construction Management Technology — 2 years

Western Dakota Technical College | Rapid City | Construction Technology — 9 months

South Dakota Roofing Licensing Exam Details

Each city or county in South Dakota has its own requirements for roofing or building contractors. Sioux Falls and Rapid City require roofing contractors to pass an exam.

Sioux Falls exam requirements for contractor licenses include:

  • Apply for the exam by email, fax, or mail.

  • Roofing contractors take the residential roofing and repair contractor exam; residential building contractors take the construction supervisor exam. The city offers the exams once per month.

  • The roofing contractor open-book test is based on the city’s “Residential Roofing and Repair Handbook”; the building contractor exam is based on the city’s “Residential Code Handbook.” Each handbook costs $10.

  • Pay a $75 exam fee by credit card, check, or money order.

  • Apply for a license within 90 days of passing the exam.

Rapid City exam requirements for roofing contractors include:

  • Call the city to schedule an exam.

  • The open-book roofing contractor license is based on the 2018 International Residential Code Chapter 9 and the Rapid City Amendments to the code.

  • Commercial contractors take an exam through Pearson VUE and pay a $115 exam fee.

Who Issues Roofing Licenses in South Dakota?

Individual cities and counties issue roofing or building contractor licenses in South Dakota.

The state requires contractors to register their business with the  South Dakota Secretary of State and obtain a contractor excise tax license from the Department of Revenue. Unlicensed contractors operating a taxable business are guilty of a misdemeanor and could be fined up to $1,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail.

Do I Need to Renew My South Dakota Roofing License?

Each city or county sets their own requirements for license renewals. Both Sioux Falls and Rapid City require contractors to renew their licenses every three years. Sioux Falls prorates the license renewal fee based on the renewal year. Rapid City charges $100 for contractor license renewals.

Continuing Education

Individual cities and counties set continuing education requirements.

Sioux Falls contractor continuing education requirements include:

Rapid City contractor continuing education requirements include:

  • Six hours per license period.

  • Provide proof of continuing education, such as a certificate of completion or letter on a letterhead from the company providing the class.

Does South Dakota Reciprocate Roofing Licenses? 

While South Dakota holds reciprocal agreements for electrician and plumber licenses, each city has its own requirements regarding reciprocity. Sioux Falls does not reciprocate licenses with any other city, and requires roofing contractors to apply for a city license.

Does My South Dakota Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?

Since South Dakota does not issue roofing contractor licenses, it does not hold reciprocity agreements with other states. South Dakota roofing contractors will need to check with the state where they plan to work to obtain the appropriate licenses.

National Roofing Certifications

Other certifications help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and increase your opportunity to make more money. 

You can also learn more about construction in South Dakota through the  South Dakota Home Builders Association or Associated General Contractors of South Dakota.

Other Requirements Unique to South Dakota

Since cities and counties set roofing contractor requirements, contractors will need to follow city or county building codes when performing roofing work.

When it comes to building renovations of a certain size or building demolitions, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources must be notified at least 10 working days in advance, even if asbestos is not present. Even though most asbestos-containing materials have been banned from production, asbestos has been used in building products, such as roofing materials, according to the  Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Resources

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