Occupational licensing · South Dakota · burden rank #45 of 51
South Dakota Occupational Licensing Requirements
South Dakota's licensing burden varies by profession. This registry brings together education hours, initial and renewal fees, exams, background checks and reciprocity notes for 97 professions. Its source trail records the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) compilation and responsible boards. Use the table to compare occupations, then verify the current rule with the responsible state board before applying.
South Dakota sits in the low-burden band (#45 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Professional Geologist; Fire Sprinkler Installer; Glazier; Land Surveyor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Idaho; North Dakota; Wyoming; Vermont. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Compare a named license or a peer state rather than reading the rank alone.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #45 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,703
- Avg initial fee
- $71
South Dakota vs all states by licensing burden score
Where this state's Institute for Justice License to Work composite sits among every state and D.C. Lower score = heavier documented barriers.
62 Among the freest more restrictive than 8% of 51 states
States and D.C., banded by IJ License to Work composite burden score (low = heavy)
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source Institute for Justice License to Work · 2026
Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Professional Geologist; Fire Sprinkler Installer; Glazier; Land Surveyor. Nearest burden-rank peers: Idaho; North Dakota; Wyoming; Vermont. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In South Dakota, Psychologist lists 5,162 education hours with an exam and a $132 initial fee. Compare the same license in Idaho on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In South Dakota, Electrician lists 4,324 education hours with an exam and a $48 initial fee. Compare the same license in Idaho on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Professional Geologist
Professional Geologist is among South Dakota's higher initial fees at $200 . Open North Dakota for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Fire Sprinkler Installer
Fire Sprinkler Installer is among South Dakota's higher initial fees at $150 . Open North Dakota for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare South Dakota against peer states
Open the side-by-side compare tool with South Dakota already selected on state A and a peer jurisdiction on state B.
Opens the live compare tool with both states and the profession already selected. Browse all comparisons.
Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for South Dakota: IJ composite burden rank and average confirmed initial license fee, distinct from the inline burden neighbors above.
Similar licensing burden rank
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by Institute for Justice composite burden (#45 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
- North Dakota · burden #44/51
- Wyoming · burden #46/51
- Idaho · burden #43/51
- Vermont · burden #47/51
Similar average initial fee
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by average confirmed initial license fee ($71 here).
- North Dakota · avg $76 initial fee
- Wyoming · avg $65 initial fee
- Vermont · avg $60 initial fee
- Idaho · avg $84 initial fee
Agriculture in South Dakota
| SD profession | SD edu hrs | SD exam | SD initial $ | SD renew $ | SD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs South Carolina · vs West Virginia |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
Animal Care in South Dakota
| SD profession | SD edu hrs | SD exam | SD initial $ | SD renew $ | SD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 4,162 | Yes | $132 | $124 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 1,581 | Yes | $66 | $62 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
Construction in South Dakota
| SD profession | SD edu hrs | SD exam | SD initial $ | SD renew $ | SD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| 4,324 | Yes | $48 | $39 | 1 yr | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Texas.
| 4,324 | Yes | $74 | $70 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Texas |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| - | Yes | $109 | $101 | 2 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 2,324 | Yes | $39 | $35 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Texas.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Texas |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 3 | Yes | $39 | $37 | 3 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| 4,324 | Yes | $52 | $48 | 1 yr | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Vermont |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
Cosmetology in South Dakota
| SD profession | SD edu hrs | SD exam | SD initial $ | SD renew $ | SD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 1,041 | Yes | $45 | $29 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 1,049 | Yes | $47 | $30 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Vermont.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Vermont |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 384 | Yes | $53 | $36 | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
Design in South Dakota
| SD profession | SD edu hrs | SD exam | SD initial $ | SD renew $ | SD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $101 | $93 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
Education in South Dakota
| SD profession | SD edu hrs | SD exam | SD initial $ | SD renew $ | SD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 10 | No | $39 | $35 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $52 | $44 | 5 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | Yes | $56 | $48 | 5 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $52 | $44 | 5 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
Engineering in South Dakota
| SD profession | SD edu hrs | SD exam | SD initial $ | SD renew $ | SD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | Yes | $109 | $101 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
Finance in South Dakota
| SD profession | SD edu hrs | SD exam | SD initial $ | SD renew $ | SD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $86 | $78 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 25 | Yes | $39 | $35 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in South Carolina and West Virginia.
| 20 | Yes | $88 | $68 | 1 yr | vs South Carolina · vs West Virginia |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
Food & Hospitality in South Dakota
| SD profession | SD edu hrs | SD exam | SD initial $ | SD renew $ | SD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
Healthcare in South Dakota
| SD profession | SD edu hrs | SD exam | SD initial $ | SD renew $ | SD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 2,581 | Yes | $66 | $62 | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 2,581 | Yes | $97 | $62 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 126 | Yes | $37 | $35 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Washington.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Washington |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 1,041 | Yes | $85 | $58 | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and Tennessee.
| 3,081 | Yes | $93 | $89 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs Tennessee |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 4,081 | Yes | $109 | $101 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| 1,265 | Yes | $66 | $62 | 2 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 4,122 | Yes | $120 | $116 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 3,081 | Yes | $97 | $93 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 3,122 | Yes | $124 | $120 | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 1,857 | Yes | $66 | $62 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $70 | $66 | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| 2,081 | Yes | $89 | $60 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Washington.
| 1,581 | Yes | $66 | $62 | 2 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Washington |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 3,081 | Yes | $97 | $89 | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
Legal & Security in South Dakota
| SD profession | SD edu hrs | SD exam | SD initial $ | SD renew $ | SD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
| 14 | No | $43 | $31 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Virginia |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Virginia |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 523 | Yes | $78 | $74 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
Mental Health in South Dakota
| SD profession | SD edu hrs | SD exam | SD initial $ | SD renew $ | SD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 3,081 | Yes | $89 | $85 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Utah.
| 2,581 | Yes | $75 | $71 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Utah |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 2,581 | Yes | $93 | $89 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 5,162 | Yes | $132 | $124 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
Miscellaneous in South Dakota
| SD profession | SD edu hrs | SD exam | SD initial $ | SD renew $ | SD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Utah.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Utah |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and Tennessee.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs Tennessee |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
Real Estate in South Dakota
| SD profession | SD edu hrs | SD exam | SD initial $ | SD renew $ | SD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 51 | Yes | $52 | $47 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 77 | Yes | $78 | $72 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
Transportation in South Dakota
| SD profession | SD edu hrs | SD exam | SD initial $ | SD renew $ | SD cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 3 | Yes | $31 | $26 | 4 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 173 | Yes | $35 | $26 | 4 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 46 | Yes | $31 | $26 | 4 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Carolina.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Carolina |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
South Dakota ranks #45 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Bottom quartile, lowest) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare South Dakota directly against another state, side by side. Compare states
- Before relocating or entering a profession, compare its education hours, fees, and exam requirements across states. Browse all professions
- Check whether your license transfers under an interstate compact before assuming you need to start over. Reciprocity guide
Burden scores are compiled from Institute for Justice License to Work research and NCSL board coverage; always confirm current rules with the licensing board before relying on any single row.
Related for South Dakota
NCSL and state-board extracts for South Dakota. Burden peers on this ladder include Idaho, North Dakota, Wyoming, Vermont; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential state file (current as of May 15, 2026) aggregates 4,947 licensing requirement records; see the methodology.
Every figure on PlainCredential is rendered directly from NCSL and state occupational- licensing board data, no number is typed in by an editor. Figures for South Dakota render from NCSL and state licensing board rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.