How to Become an Electrician in South Dakota

Electricians can enjoy hands-on experience from the time they begin learning about the trade. With numerous hours of physical work required to earn entry-level certification, this career field is one that proves learning never stops. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this trade will see 310 new job openings in South Dakota by the year 2030. If that sounds appealing, this may be your career match. Also, you can find the most suitable electrician schools in South Dakota from our guide. [En Español]

Requirements for Becoming an Electrician in South Dakota

To become a licensed electrician in South Dakota, you must meet the requirements set by the South Dakota Electrical Commission, which is part of the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation.

The first step to becoming an electrician in the state is to complete an application to become an apprentice. You’ll need to work as an apprentice electrician for at least four years (8,000 hours), and the work you do as an apprentice must be performed under the supervision of an electrical contractor or a Class B electrician. A Class B electrician is defined as a person with the necessary qualifications, training and technical knowledge to wire, install and repair electrical apparatus and equipment in accordance with the standard rules and regulations governing such work.

After completing four years (8,000 hours) as an apprentice, you can take the journeyman exam. Once you pass and become a journeyman electrician, you must work another two years (4,000 hours) under an electrical contractor. At least 2,000 of those hours must be in commercial work. After meeting these requirements, you can take the electrical contractor exam.

To become a Class B electrician, 2,000 of your 4,000 hours as a journeyman must consist of work in residential or farmstead wiring. Your entire 4,000 hours as a journeyman can be completed under an electrical contractor or a Class B electrician. You must have at least 18 months of experience in farmstead or residential wiring in order to qualify for your Class B license.

Each license requires the submission of a completed application before taking exams.

Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in South Dakota

A decent amount of experience is required if you want to become an electrician in just about any state. There are different ways to go about gaining the experience you need to earn your electrician license. One common option is to join an apprenticeship program with the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC), also known as the Electrical Training Alliance.

If you’re looking to join an apprenticeship program in South Dakota, you might consider the Dakotas Area Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Fund (Dakotas JATC). This program will offer you training in telecommunications wiring, fiber optics, fire alarms and much more.

To apply, you must meet the following requirements:

• Provide a copy of your birth certificate showing that you are at least 18 years of age.
• Show proof of one full credit of high school algebra, or one post-high school algebra course with a passing grade.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Provide an official high school transcript or GED and college or technical school transcripts, showing courses and grades.

This program takes five years to complete and consists mostly of on-the-job training. Students are required to attend class one night per week from September to May. These classes are free, but there is a yearly book fee of $696 (based on the 2017-18 year), which is due by the first day of classes.

South Dakota Schools for Electricians

The NJATC is not the only organization offering apprenticeship training to aspiring electricians. South Dakota is home to a number of other schools offering courses that will help you gain electrical work experience.

• AETech Electrical Training Center offers electrical training at all levels. Registration is available online or by phone, and the school is located in Rapid City, South Dakota. Their full-time apprenticeship program was designed to be completed in just four months. Pre-registration is $50, and exam preparation classes are also available to those preparing for journeyman or electrical contractor exams.
• Southeast Technical Institute is a two-year college granting graduates 2,000 hours toward certification as a journeyman electrician. The total cost of tuition for this program is $18,830, which includes tuition, fees, books and supplies. Southeast Tech is located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
• Western Dakota Technical Institute offers a two-year degree, which will help students develop skills in programmable controls, computerized networking and more. On-campus classes are $247 per credit hour, and online classes are $297 per credit hour. Scholarships are available to those who qualify, and the school is located in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Outlook and Salary Expectations

According to the BLS, South Dakota is home to 310 new electrician job openings per year. Electricians in this state earn a mean of $61,980 a year, and the top 10 percent earn more than $80,060, according to BLS May 2025 OEWS data.

Salaries in South Dakota by Occupation

Occupation	Total Employment	Mean Hourly Wage	Mean Annual Wage	Annual Salary 10th Percentile	Annual Salary 25th Percentile	Annual Salary 75th Percentile	Annual Salary 90th Percentile
Electricians	2,500	$27.76	$57,750	$39,140	$47,090	$64,330	$75,400
Helpers--Electricians	210	$15.94	$33,160	$28,910	$30,040	$36,880	$40,890
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	400	$28.01	$58,250	$45,420	$49,620	$63,190	$88,920
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	690	$40.54	$84,320	$59,080	$72,130	$93,580	$98,530

Electrician Salaries in South Dakota by Region

Area	Total Employment	Mean Hourly Wage	Mean Annual Salary	Hourly Wage 10th Percentile	Hourly Wage 25th Percentile	Hourly Wage 75th Percentile	Hourly Wage 90th Percentile
Sioux City, IA-NE-SD	430	$31.29	$65,080	$18.59	$23.21	$38.13	$40.00
Rapid City, SD	350	$25.64	$53,320	$18.68	$22.49	$30.09	$34.99
Sioux Falls, SD	820	$28.71	$59,710	$19.08	$22.88	$31.27	$35.63

Working as an Electrician in South Dakota

Electricians benefit most from their careers if they have strong hands-on skills, can handle moderate to heavy lifting, and enjoy problem-solving. Some employers offer full-time positions with benefits, while others hire contractors.

In South Dakota, electricians work in various weather conditions and can find jobs in residential and commercial settings. The most opportunities are in Rapid City and Sioux Falls, with Sioux Falls offering the highest salaries.

College Listings

Neighbor States

Residents of South Dakota may also wish to review their options in North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana.