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Pursuing a career in the electrical field in South Dakota is a good choice, as jobs are expected to increase by 12.5% until 2024.
The South Dakota Electrical Commission handles electrician licenses in this state.
If you need more info, read on the article below.
Article Table of Contents
Becoming an Apprentice
To become licensed, you need to undergo a number of years of training.
You will need either 8,000 hours of practical experience and 576 hours of class, or an associate’s degree and 6,000 hours of practical experience.
Trade Schools
If you join a trad school, you can easily meet the criteria for a journeyman license.
After your program is over, you will only need 3 years of experience to apply.
Many trade schools also offer career placing opportunities which will help you get your license faster.
The classes available in the programs include:
- Basic Math Computations
- Blueprint Reading
- Algebra with Trigonometry
- Electrical Theory
- OSHA Regulations and First Aid
- Electrical Code
- Telecom Cabling
- Basic Telecommunications
- Motor Controls
- Basic Alarm Technology
- Semi-Conductors
- Logic Circuits and Programmable Controllers
- Motor and Generator Theory
- Fire Access & CCTV Systems
- Power Distribution and Load Calculations
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Technical Institute | 1800 E. Spruce Street, Mitchell, SD 57301 |
| Oglala Lakota College | 490 Piya Wiconi Road, Kyle, SD 57752 |
| Western Dakota Technical Institute | 800 Mickelson Dr, Rapid City, SD 57703 |
Union and Non-Union Apprenticeships
To become a union or non-union apprentice, you have to meet some criteria.
The requirements involve:
- 18 years old
- High school diploma/GED
- A year of algebra
- Driver’s license
Apprenticeships offer the 8,000 hours of training you need to get licensed, as well as theory classes.
If you opt for a union apprenticeship, you need to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and apply to a JATC in your area.
If you choose a non-union apprenticeship, you can get into one by contacting the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC).
No matter what type of apprenticeship you choose, you will have to register it and renew it once at 2 years.
Pass the Journeyman Exam
To get a journeyman license, you need to pass an exam once your apprenticeship is completed.
For this, you must submit an application form to the Commission.
You’ll be required to mention all your past experiences on the application form.
Candidates are expected to pay an exam fee and a separate license fee once they pass the exam.
The exam covers:
- National Electric Code
- BICSI Telecommunications Distribution Methods
- Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
Become an Independent Electrical Contractor
After working some years in the field, you can start your own business with an independent contractor license.
The requirements are:
- Submit an application
- A bond of $10,000
- Public liability insurance of $100,000
- Property damage insurance of $300,000
When the criteria are met, you will be scheduled for the exam.
Salary
The more experienced electricians in South Dakota earn a higher salary than those that just started out.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $42,630 |
| Rapid City | $42,216 |
| Aberdeen | $39,643 |
| Brookings | $41,900 |
| Watertown | $41,900 |
| Mitchell | $41,900 |
| Yankton | $40,966 |
| Pierre | $40,373 |
| Huron | $40,771 |
| Spearfish | $41,486 |
Regional Salary in South Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD | 470 | $54,770 | $26.33 | $72,790 | $38,850 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 1,120 | $57,360 | $27.58 | $74,120 | $39,690 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
License Renewal
After you get your journeyman license, you need to have it renewed once at 2 years.
For this, you also need to attend 16 extra hours of education.
The independent contractor license also needs to be renewed once at 2 years, after you took 16 extra hours of education.
Eight of these extra hours must be spent learning the updates to the electrical code.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Electrician
Electrician Schools by City
Electrician Schools by State