Truck Driver Career Guide in South Dakota
Explore truck driver salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in South Dakota.
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How to Become a Truck Driver in South Dakota
South Dakota has public-college and private-school Class A training options. The employer pathways below are multi-state programs; South Dakota recruitment and training location must be confirmed with each sponsor. Knight’s paid instruction follows CDL school.
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.
Truck Driver Salary in South Dakota
The salary figure shown on this page represents the South Dakota median wage for truck driver 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 $57,440, the median wage in South Dakota is approximately $1,250 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Truck Drivers 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 PREPARATIONTruck Driver Training Requirements in South Dakota
To become a tractor-trailer driver in South Dakota:
- Obtain a South Dakota commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
- Complete applicable FMCSA entry-level driver training (ELDT).
- Meet medical requirements and pass CDL knowledge and skills tests.
- Obtain a Class A CDL for qualifying tractor-trailer combinations.
- Add endorsements when required for specialized vehicles or cargo.
Truck Driver Training Providers in South Dakota
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast Technical College | Sioux Falls | View Program |
| Mitchell Technical College | Mitchell | View Program |
| Western Dakota Technical College | Rapid City | View Program |
| Extra Mile CDL Academy | Sioux Falls | 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 OPPORTUNITIESTruck Driver Apprenticeship Programs in South Dakota
Truck Driver Licensing Requirements in South Dakota
South Dakota requires a CDL for qualifying heavy trucks and combinations. A Class A CDL is generally needed for tractor-trailers. Applicants must obtain a CLP, complete applicable ELDT, meet medical standards, and pass knowledge and skills tests.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSTruck Driver Job Outlook in South Dakota
Employment is projected to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 790 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 truck driver salary in South Dakota?
The statewide median wage for truck drivers in South Dakota is approximately $58,690 per year, or $28.21 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 truck driver licensing?
Yes. South Dakota requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt truck driver 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 Public Safety, Driver Licensing.
How long does it take to become a truck driver in South Dakota?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 3–6 Months + OJT, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are truck drivers in demand in South Dakota?
South Dakota projects truck driver employment to grow by approximately 10% from 2024 to 2034, with about 790 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 Truck Driver (SOC 53-3032) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. South Dakota Truck Driver Wages
- South Dakota Truck Driver Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. South Dakota Truck Driver Employment Trends
- South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing — Licensing authority. South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Driver Licensing