Lineworker Career Guide in South Dakota
Explore lineworker salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in South Dakota.
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How to Become a Lineworker in South Dakota
Mitchell Technical College offers South Dakota’s dedicated power-line program. Utility and outside-line apprenticeships provide paid supervised training.
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.
Lineworker Salary in South Dakota
The salary figure shown on this page represents the South Dakota median wage for lineworker 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 $92,560, the median wage in South Dakota is approximately $4,750 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Lineworkers 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 PREPARATIONLineworker Training Requirements in South Dakota
South Dakota lineworkers can complete power-line coursework before entering paid utility or outside-line training.
- Meet employer physical, safety, and commercial-driver requirements.
- Practice climbing, rigging, line construction, and emergency response.
- Complete supervised apprentice progression.
- Verify whether the utility-work exemption applies to each assignment.
Lineworker Training Providers in South Dakota
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Technical College — Power Line Construction and Maintenance | Mitchell | View Program |
| Lake Area Technical College — related electrical training | Watertown | View Program |
| Southeast Technical College — related electrical training | Sioux Falls | View Program |
| Western Dakota Technical College — related technical training | Rapid City | 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 OPPORTUNITIESLineworker Apprenticeship Programs in South Dakota
Lineworker Employment and Training Pathway
Organization: East River Electric Power Cooperative
Cooperative Lineworker Training Pathway
Organization: South Dakota Rural Electric Association
Lineworker Licensing Requirements in South Dakota
South Dakota’s electrical law contains exemptions for specified utility work. Covered work outside an exemption may require an electrician or electrical-contractor license.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSLineworker Job Outlook in South Dakota
South Dakota projects 8% growth from 2024 to 2034 and approximately 60 annual openings.
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 lineworker salary in South Dakota?
The statewide median wage for lineworkers in South Dakota is approximately $97,310 per year, or $46.79 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 lineworker licensing?
Licensing requirements for lineworker workers in South Dakota vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with South Dakota Electrical Commission before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a lineworker in South Dakota?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 3–4 Years to Journey Level, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are lineworkers in demand in South Dakota?
South Dakota projects lineworker employment to grow by approximately 8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 60 openings per year. 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 Lineworker (SOC 49-9051) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. South Dakota Lineworker Wages
- South Dakota Lineworker Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. South Dakota Lineworker Employment Trends
- South Dakota Electrical Commission — Licensing authority. South Dakota Electrical Commission