South Dakota HVAC license: Everything you need to know

Cold winters and lots of snow mean that talented HVAC professionals in South Dakota are always busy. And, there is a demand for specialty HVAC work in the state, as well. Job prospects in South Dakota are strong; in fact, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the state will see an increase in job growth of about 10% over the next decade.

Working on heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment often requires extensive training, education, and a license. This guide provides all the information you need to obtain an HVAC license in South Dakota, along with helpful resources for education, salary information, and professional testing.

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

The state of South Dakota does not require HVAC licenses for technicians, apprentices, or contractors. However, some municipalities, including the cities of Sioux Falls and Rapid City, do require licenses for specific types of HVAC work and licenses for HVAC contractors. Before taking on HVAC work in a South Dakota city or county, it’s important to check the municipal licensing requirements.

In addition, if you plan to open your own HVAC contractor business, you will need a business license and register your business with the South Dakota Secretary of State.

EPA License

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires certain certifications, per the Clean Air Act, for all HVAC workers operating refrigeration units or cooling units using refrigerant to hold a Section 608 Technician Certification. This certification indicates that you can safely work on specific types of refrigerant-using equipment. It’s valid in all 50 states and does not expire.

NATE Certificate

Another optional certification for HVAC work is one issued by the North American Technical Excellence (NATE). This is the largest non-profit HVAC certification organization in the country. NATE certifications are recognized in all 50 states. NATE offers several certifications, from a “ready to work” certificate appropriate for apprentices to certifications that indicate your ability to perform niche work.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

Although the state does not require an HVAC license, several cities and counties do. If you plan to work in these locations, you must have the appropriate license. Even if you are working somewhere that does not require an HVAC license, having one from another location indicates to potential customers or employers that you possess a certain level of experience and education.

Average earnings for HVAC professionals in South Dakota

HVAC technicians, installers, mechanics, and other hourly HVAC workers can expect to earn an average of $27.51 per hour, although the pay can range from $15.79 to $47.93. Several things influence how much you will be paid, including your experience, education, and training. If you work for an employer that permits overtime, then you may be able to make more per week. Or, some employers may pay more for techs who work after hours or on weekends to handle emergencies.

Salaried HVAC professionals, such as service managers or field supervisors, can expect to earn an average of $70,631 per year. The salary range is wide, too, with a low of $53,155 to a high of $93,854. Although salaried workers are not eligible for overtime pay increases, you may work for or with an employer who offers bonuses, which can increase your yearly pay.

Both hourly and salary HVAC professionals may earn more if they can demonstrate that they have a certain level of skill and training, especially if they can perform specialty jobs like pipefitting. Also, where you live plays a role in how much you are paid; cities with a higher cost of living tend to offer higher salaries than those with a lower cost of living. If you have NATE certifications and an EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, then you may be able to negotiate a higher wage than someone with similar training and experience who does not possess these certifications.

How much does it cost to get an HVAC license in South Dakota?

South Dakota does not require a license to perform HVAC work in the state. However, two of the largest cities in SD do require licensure to perform HVAC work within city limits. Let’s look at Sioux Falls and Rapid City:

Cost of Sioux Falls HVAC Licenses

Sioux Falls HVAC licenses are issued by the City of Sioux Falls Building Services. There are two types:

• Mechanical contractor or refrigeration contractor licenses: $200 license fee
• Inactive master mechanic license: $20 license fee

Those who only hold the inactive master mechanic license may not perform work as a mechanical contractor. This type of license permits them to renew their mechanical contractor license without paying a reinstatement fee.

Cost of Rapid City HVAC Licenses

Rapid City HVAC licenses are issued by the City of Rapid City Building Services Division. There are several different types of licenses for Rapid City HVAC apprentices, journeymen, technicians, and contractors. The cost of each type is as follows:

• Mechanical apprentice: $25
• Mechanical installer: $40
• Mechanical contractor: $205
• Gas fitting apprentice: $10
• Gas fitter: $25
• Gas fitting contractor: $200

How to get an HVAC license in South Dakota

Since there is no state-issued HVAC license in SoDak, let’s review the Sioux Falls and Rapid City HVAC licensing requirements, including any required exams.

Sioux Falls HVAC License Requirements

Sioux Falls issues mechanical contractor and refrigeration contractor licenses. For either of the licenses, the applicant must pass the mechanical exam before applying for the license. You can find more information about the exam applications and testing information here.

Once you have passed the exam, you may apply for your clients. You must submit proof of at least 4 years of experience working as a refrigeration tech, sheet metal tech, project manager, general manager, or engineer employed by a licensed mechanical contractor. You must also submit proof of at least 2,000 hours working in one of the above positions.

The Sioux Falls Mechanical Board of Appeals and Examiners will also accept proof of completion of courses at accredited trade schools or colleges instead of experience. Or, if you have military experience working as an engineer or in mechanical or construction management work, then you may be able to substitute your military experience for practical Other requirements include:

• $10,000 surety bond
• $200 license fee ($100 if applying in the second year)

If you want to hold your current mechanical contractor license, you can apply for the inactive master mechanic license, which costs $20 and takes about 2 weeks to process. This means that you don’t have to undergo retesting to reinstate your mechanical contractor license.

Rapid City HVAC License Requirements

Rapid City HVAC licenses are issued by the City of Rapid City Building Services Division. Before submitting your application, journeyman and contractor license applicants must pass the exam and pay a fee.

• Work experience required to apply for an HVAC license:
• Mechanical contractors must submit 2 years of experience as an HVAC journeyman
• Mechanical journeymen (installers) must submit 4 years of verifiable mechanical trade experience
• Gas contractors must submit at least 3 years of work experience in the fuel gas industry

You must also provide a copy of your excise tax certificate and proof of insurance and bonding. If you are a contractor business owner, you must submit proof of workers’ compensation insurance, pass any additional exams, and pay your license fee.

South Dakota HVAC insurance and bonding requirements

There are no state-wide insurance and bonding requirements for South Dakota HVAC professionals. However, certain municipalities may require general liability insurance or a surety bond. For example, Rapid City requires proof of the following insurance:

• Certificate of general liability insurance
• $1 million general aggregate liability
• $300,000 fire damage
• $1 million for each occurrence

In addition, if you own an HVAC business and have employees, you must provide South Dakota workers’ compensation insurance coverage.

South Dakota HVAC licensing and renewal requirements

Each municipality sets its own licensing and renewal requirements. These range from one year to three years, and you may be required to pay a fee and take a test. Any continuing education requirements for license renewal are handled at the municipal level and set by the issuing body.