Plumber Career Guide in South Dakota
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in South Dakota.
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How to Become a Plumber in South Dakota
The standard pathway combines registered apprenticeship training, supervised work experience, and classroom instruction, followed by the applicable state examination.
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.
Plumber Salary in South Dakota
The salary figure shown on this page represents the South Dakota median wage for plumber 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 $62,970, the median wage in South Dakota is approximately $12,180 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers 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 PREPARATIONPlumber Training Requirements in South Dakota
South Dakota plumbers must register or obtain the state license appropriate to their experience and work scope.
- Register as an apprentice and work under a licensed plumbing contractor or journeyman.
- Complete the practical experience required for the applicable license classification.
- Study plumbing codes, mathematics, blueprint reading, drainage, venting, water supply, fixtures, and safety.
- Pass the examination required for journeyman or plumbing contractor licensure.
- Renew the license and comply with continuing-education, permit, and inspection requirements.
Plumber Training Providers in South Dakota
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Technical College | Sioux Falls | View Program |
| Western Dakota Technical College | Rapid City | View Program |
| Lake Area Technical College | Watertown | View Program |
| Mitchell Technical College | 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 OPPORTUNITIESPlumber Apprenticeship Programs in South Dakota
South Dakota Plumbing Apprenticeship
Organization: South Dakota Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors
StartTodaySD Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
Plumber Licensing Requirements in South Dakota
South Dakota requires plumbers to hold an apprentice registration or the applicable journeyman, plumbing contractor, or appliance installer license through the State Plumbing Commission.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in South Dakota
South Dakota’s latest available long-term projection indicates continued demand for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, with openings arising from growth, infrastructure projects, and replacement needs.
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 plumber salary in South Dakota?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in South Dakota is approximately $50,790 per year, or $24.42 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 plumber licensing?
Yes. South Dakota requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt plumber work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation — State Plumbing Commission.
How long does it take to become a plumber in South Dakota?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 4–5 Years Apprenticeship, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are plumbers in demand in South Dakota?
South Dakota projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 12% 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 Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. South Dakota Plumber Wages
- South Dakota Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. South Dakota Plumber Employment Trends
- South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation — State Plumbing Commission — Licensing authority. South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation — State Plumbing Commission