The electrical industry offers competitive salaries and job benefits for professional electricians. In fact, the average yearly salary for South Dakota electricians is about $65,000. 

Learn what it takes to get an electrical license. This South Dakota electrical license guide contains information about license requirements, electrician courses, and tips for finding an electrician job.

Does South Dakota require an electrical license?

All South Dakota electricians must be licensed to perform any type of electrical work in the state.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in South Dakota?

The different types of electrical licenses in South Dakota are apprentice electrician, journeyman electrician, and electrical contractor.

Apprentice electricians assist journeyman electricians and electrical contractors with the maintenance, modification, and installation of electrical systems in South Dakota. Applicants must:

• Pay an apprentice license fee ($20).
• Be enrolled in a South Dakota electrician apprenticeship program.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Be at least 18 years old.

Journeyman electricians install and maintain electrical control systems and wiring. They supervise electrician apprentices. Applicants must:

• Pass a journeyman electrician examination.
• Work as an apprentice for 4 years or 8,000 hours.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Pay an application fee ($50).

Electrical contractors supervise journeyman electricians and apprentice electricians. They install, repair, and maintain electrical systems in commercial and residential properties. Applicants must:

• Work at least two years as a journeyman electrician (4,000 hours) under a licensed electrical contractor.
• Possess a valid journeyman license.
• Pay a fee ($50).
• Deposit a sum of $10,000 with the South Dakota Electrical Commission.
• Pass an electrical contractor examination.

South Dakota electrical licenses are issued by the South Dakota Electrical Commission. The average hourly pay for South Dakota electricians is $32.15.

How to get an electrician license in South Dakota

Apply for a South Dakota electrician apprenticeship, and work as a registered apprentice for a minimum of four years. Then, pass the journeyman exam and apply for a journeyman license. After working as a journeyman for two years, pass the electrical contractor examination and apply for an electrical contractor’s license.

Electrician Apprenticeship Programs

• Dakotas JATC
• South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
• Southeast Tech

South Dakota electrician apprenticeships offer on-the-job training, electrical courses, and a salary. Each apprenticeship has different requirements for enrollment. Trade schools cost as much as $10,000 for tuition. Accredited schools have financial aid options for students.

Apprenticeship Program Prerequisites

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Be physically capable of performing the work.
• Pass a general aptitude test.

On-the-Job Experience

• Perform electrical work according to safety standards and South Dakota electrical codes.
• Attend classroom training sessions.
• Repair and install electrical systems.
• Operate a company vehicle.

South Dakota Electrical License Information:

 After you apply for a license, the South Dakota Electrical Commission will send examination information to you via mail. You must take the exam within 90 days of approval.

South Dakota Electrician Examination Content

• National Electric Code
• BICSI Telecommunications Distribution Methods
• Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

Examination Study Resources

• South Dakota Electrical Exam Prep
• South Dakota Electrical License Exam Study Guide
• Journeyman Electrician Exam

Should I join an electrician union in South Dakota?

You must pay dues when you join a union. However, membership offers benefits. More than 93% of union members have health insurance. Union members get pension benefits and vacation pay. Unions protect members from on-the-job harassment and unsafe work conditions.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

Getting an electrician job requires you to implement a consistent job search strategy. Apply the following tips to get a job and ace your next job interview:

Where to Find Electrician Jobs

• Tradesmen International
• Traded Up
• Indeed

Electrician Job Search Tips

• Create accounts on a variety of job search sites.
• Meet people in the industry.

Helpful Electrician Job Interview Tips

• Speak clearly.
• Be positive at all times.
• Wear professional clothing to the interview.

Electrician insurance in South Dakota

Electricians are exposed to a variety of hazards each day. Faulty wires cause property fires and electrical system failure. Wires burn and shock electricians.

The South Dakota Electrical Commission requires all applicants to have general liability coverage. The minimum electrician license coverage is $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 for property damage and bodily injury.

If employers have the required amount of insurance, electricians do not need a separate policy. However, self-employed technicians are required to have their own insurance.

Electrician industry trends

Cybersecurity threats are a major concern for utility companies and small businesses. Companies hire electricians to secure power grid lines to prevent cybersecurity attacks. New electrical technology is being created to improve efficiency in the electrical industry. At electrical industry trade shows, electricians get access to the latest technology. Homes that are over 40 years old do not have the capacity to meet current electrical demands. Homeowners hire electricians to rewire old electrical systems.

Is my license only valid in South Dakota?

South Dakota has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Idaho
• Iowa
• Minnesota
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Texas
• Oklahoma
• Utah
• Wyoming

If you change your name or address or misplace your card, contact the South Dakota Electrical Commission to change your name.

How often do I need to renew my electrician license in South Dakota?

During the renewal period, you must take an 8-hour recertification course before you renew your license. South Dakota electrical licenses expire on June 30 of even-numbered years. The electrical license renewal fee is $40.