Roofer Career Guide in South Dakota
Explore roofer salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in South Dakota.
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How to Become a Roofer in South Dakota
South Dakota roofers train through employers, apprenticeship, technical colleges, or construction organizations. Instruction includes shingles, metal roofing, membranes, flashing, wind resistance, snow and ice conditions, and fall protection.
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.
Roofer Salary in South Dakota
The salary figure shown on this page represents the South Dakota median wage for roofer 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 $55,440, the median wage in South Dakota is approximately $7,730 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Roofers 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 PREPARATIONRoofer Training Requirements in South Dakota
South Dakota does not issue a statewide roofer competency license. Roofers generally learn through supervised employment or technical education, while contracting businesses must satisfy state tax licensing and local construction requirements.
- Complete training in shingles, metal roofs, membranes, flashing, ventilation, and waterproofing.
- Learn installation practices for high winds, hail, snow loads, ice dams, and temperature extremes.
- Complete OSHA fall-protection, ladder, scaffold, cold-weather, and personal protective equipment training.
- Obtain a South Dakota contractor’s excise-tax license when required.
- Verify city or county contractor licensing, registration, insurance, and permit requirements.
Roofer Training Providers in South Dakota
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Technical College | Sioux Falls | View Program |
| Mitchell Technical College | Mitchell | View Program |
| Lake Area Technical College | Watertown | View Program |
| Western Dakota Technical College | 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 OPPORTUNITIESRoofer Apprenticeship Programs in South Dakota
Start Today SD Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
Construction Workforce Training
Organization: South Dakota Association of General Contractors
Roofer and Waterproofer Apprenticeship
Organization: United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers
Roofer Licensing Requirements in South Dakota
South Dakota does not issue a statewide competency license specifically for roofers or general contractors. Contractors must obtain the applicable contractor’s excise-tax license, while cities and counties may require contractor licensing, registration, insurance, examinations, and permits.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSRoofer Job Outlook in South Dakota
South Dakota projects roofing employment to increase from approximately 510 jobs in 2024 to 570 in 2034, representing 12% growth and approximately 40 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 roofer salary in South Dakota?
The statewide median wage for roofers in South Dakota is approximately $47,710 per year, or $22.94 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 roofer licensing?
South Dakota does not use one uniform statewide licensing rule for all roofer work. Local requirements may apply, and applicants should verify the rules in the city or county where they plan to work.
How long does it take to become a roofer in South Dakota?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately Up to 1 Year On-the-Job Training, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are roofers in demand in South Dakota?
South Dakota projects roofer employment to grow by approximately 12% from 2024 to 2034, with about 40 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 Roofer (SOC 47-2181) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. South Dakota Roofer Wages
- South Dakota Roofer Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. South Dakota Roofer Employment Trends
- South Dakota Department of Revenue and Applicable Local Authority — Licensing authority. South Dakota Department of Revenue and Applicable Local Authority