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If you are searching to get hired in a growing field in South Dakota, you can become an auto mechanic.
This job requires training and skills, so read our guide where you can learn more about it.
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Auto Mechanic Training in South Dakota
In order to learn more about the trade, you need to develop your skills in a training program.
In South Dakota, you can join a shorter program and get a diploma.
Earn your accredited, affordable Auto Repair career diploma online with Penn Foster in as little as 4 months!
Or, you can pursue higher education options and pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
A university degree will allow you to get paid better and have increased career opportunities.
Some of the auto mechanic training programs in South Dakota are:
- Lake Area Technical College
- Oglala Lakota College
- Southeast Technical Institute
- Western Dakota Technical Institute
To get into the program, you need to fulfill the next requirements:
- A high school graduate or have a GED
- Good at math
- Computer proficient
- Good with physics
The credit hours vary from program to program will also differ, but the subjects will be the same.
The chosen training program also has to be approved by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF).
If you want to start your career right after high school, you can join a program before finishing high school.
Earning an ASE Certification in South Dakota
In South Dakota, you are not required to get certified, but an ASE certification will help you in your career.
ASE will ask for an average of 2 years of experience as an auto mechanic before allowing you to take the exam.
After the documents have been sent, you have to schedule your exam with one of the nearby centers.
Keep in mind that the certification is only valid for 5 years.
After the period passes, you will need to renew it by taking the ASE certification exam again.
In South Dakota, if you want to become a master auto mechanic, you can choose an exam from the following categories:
- Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification Test (G1)
- Automobile & Light Truck Certification Tests (A Series)
- Collision Repair & Refinish Certification Tests (B Series)
- Damage Analysis & Estimating Certification Test (B6)
- Automobile Service Consultant Certification Test (C1)
- Truck Equipment Certification Tests (E Series)
- Alternate Fuels Certification Test (F1)
- Transit Bus Certification Tests (H Series)
- Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certification Test (L1)
- Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist Certification Test (L2)
- Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist Test (L3)
- Engine Machinist Certification Tests (M Series)
- Parts Specialist Certification Tests (P Series)
- School Bus Certification Tests (S Series)
- Medium-Heavy Truck Certification Tests (T Series)
- Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems Test (X1)
Earning an EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification in South Dakota
If you are looking to work on Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning, you will need an EPA 609-Refrigerant Certification.
Joining a 609-refrigerant certification training program is required for this certification.
After the program finishes, you will have to schedule a certification test.
You will get your certification if you pass the exam with a score of 84% or higher.
Auto Mechanic Schools in South Dakota
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Southeast Technology Center at Southeast Technical College | 2205 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57107 |
| Western Dakota Technical College | 800 Mickelson Dr, Rapid City, SD 57703 |
| Lake Area Technical College | 1201 Arrow Ave NE, Watertown, SD 57201 |
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Employment and Salaries for auto mechanics in South Dakota
As per The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), auto mechanics in South Dakota earn about $43,270 per year.
Salaries are higher for the top 10% of auto mechanics and can reach $54,090 per year.
In South Dakota, salaries are also higher once you have some years of experience or live in a bigger city.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $36,013 |
| Rapid City | $34,817 |
| Aberdeen | $32,695 |
| Brookings | $35,411 |
| Watertown | $35,411 |
| Mitchell | $35,411 |
| Yankton | $34,597 |
| Pierre | $33,297 |
| Huron | $34,053 |
| Spearfish | $34,216 |
Regional Salary in South Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD | 380 | $51,010 | $24.52 | $74,080 | $37,690 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 780 | $54,780 | $26.34 | $76,000 | $38,790 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
As the auto mechanic industry is popular, you will get a good salary even in a starting position.
In South Dakota, the most popular areas for auto mechanic jobs are Sioux Falls and Rapid City.
The companies hiring auto mechanics include dealerships, car tire shops, and brake and lube shops.
Additional Information for Auto Mechanics in South Dakota
If you are searching to work on cars manufactured by a specific brand, you need to have a manufacturer certification.
This certification also requires a training program from companies like Ford, Honda, Chrysler, or BMW.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Auto Mechanic
Mechanic Schools by City
Mechanic Schools by State