Automotive Technician Career Guide in South Dakota
Explore automotive technician salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in South Dakota.
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How to Become an Automotive Technician in South Dakota
Common entry paths include technical-college automotive programs and paid dealership or independent-shop training. ASE certification is widely recognized but generally voluntary.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Automotive Technician Salary in South Dakota
The salary figure shown on this page represents the South Dakota median wage for automotive technician workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $49,670, the median wage in South Dakota is approximately $1,620 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Automotive Technicians in South Dakota
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONAutomotive Technician Training Requirements in South Dakota
South Dakota automotive technicians typically combine postsecondary automotive instruction with paid, supervised repair-shop experience.
- Complete automotive technology training at a technical college or through an employer-sponsored program.
- Learn engine performance, electrical diagnosis, brakes, steering, suspension, transmissions, and preventive maintenance.
- Obtain EPA Section 609 certification before handling automotive refrigerants.
- Complete ASE work-experience requirements and examinations for voluntary professional certification.
- Maintain manufacturer credentials when performing dealership warranty and recall work.
Automotive Technician Training Providers in South Dakota
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Technical College – Automotive Technology | Sioux Falls | View Program |
| Lake Area Technical College – Automotive Technology | Watertown | View Program |
| Western Dakota Technical College – Automotive Technology | Rapid City | View Program |
| Mitchell Technical College – Automotive Technology | Mitchell | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESAutomotive Technician Apprenticeship Programs in South Dakota
Automotive Technician Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
Automotive Technician Licensing Requirements in South Dakota
South Dakota does not require a statewide automotive technician license. ASE, manufacturer, refrigerant, or commercial fleet credentials may be required for particular duties or employers.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSAutomotive Technician Job Outlook in South Dakota
Continued vehicle use, rural transportation needs, winter maintenance, and technician retirements are expected to create recurring openings across South Dakota.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the automotive technician salary in South Dakota?
The statewide median wage for automotive technicians in South Dakota is approximately $48,050 per year, or $23.10 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does South Dakota require automotive technician licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for automotive technician workers in South Dakota. Local jurisdictions, employers, or specific work scopes may still impose requirements, so applicants should verify current rules before beginning work.
How long does it take to become an automotive technician in South Dakota?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 6 Months–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are automotive technicians in demand in South Dakota?
South Dakota projects automotive technician employment to grow by approximately 4.1% from 2022 to 2032. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- South Dakota Wages for Automotive Technician (SOC 49-3023) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. South Dakota Automotive Technician Wages
- South Dakota Automotive Technician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. South Dakota Automotive Technician Employment Trends
- South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation — Licensing authority. South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation