South Dakota Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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Showing all schools and apprenticeships in South Dakota.
We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Leading Automotive Programs in South Dakota
Discover top-rated Automotive training options available in South Dakota.
Northern State University (NSU) in Aberdeen, South Dakota offers a growing selection of hands-on Career and Technical Education programs designed to prepare students for today’s skilled trades workforce.
Leading Construction Programs in South Dakota
Discover top-rated Construction training options available in South Dakota.
Capital University of South Dakota serves as a workforce-focused institution supporting skilled trades education and applied training in central South Dakota.
Black Hills State University (BHSU) is a public university serving western South Dakota and the greater Black Hills region, with a growing emphasis on applied workforce education through partnerships with regional technical colleges, industry employers, and state workforce initiatives.
Oglala Lakota College (OLC) provides a strong selection of vocational and technical programs that support workforce development across the Pine Ridge Reservation and surrounding regions.
Best Diesel Mechanic Programs in South Dakota
Browse accredited and verified Diesel Mechanic programs across South Dakota.
Lake Area Technical College (LATC) is a nationally recognized public technical college located in Watertown, South Dakota, known for its highly structured, employer-driven training model and consistently strong graduate outcomes.
Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) is a leading technical institution serving western South Dakota, with a strong focus on career-driven education and workforce readiness.
Top Electrician Programs in South Dakota
Explore the most trusted Electrician programs available in South Dakota.
Mitchell Technical College (Mitchell Tech) is widely recognized across South Dakota for its strong employer-driven technical education model.
Southeast Technical College (Southeast Tech) is South Dakota’s largest technical college and serves as a primary workforce training pipeline for the region’s construction, manufacturing, and skilled trades industries.
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in South Dakota
Average Cost of Trade School in South Dakota
Trade school costs in South Dakota are usually straightforward, with tuition on the lower end compared to many states. The bigger expense for some students is travel or relocating closer to training sites. Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $-256 higher than in-state on average.
| South Dakota Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $8,379 |
|---|---|
| South Dakota Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $8,123 |
What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in South Dakota
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you train on the job and complete required instruction. In many cases, the employer covers tuition or class fees while you earn wages. You may still need to budget for tools, safety gear, and travel.
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
Paying for Trade School in South Dakota
Students often piece together funding from several sources rather than relying on just one. Scholarships, workforce grants, and employer tuition programs are commonly used alongside paid work. This approach can reduce the need for loans.
For those considering private student loans, reviewing rates and repayment details carefully can prevent long-term issues: Compare private student loan rates
South Dakota Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- South Dakota trade training often ranges from 6–18 months for entry-level training, while apprenticeships commonly take 3–5 years depending on required hours and the occupation.
- Licensing requirements vary by trade and locality. Some work is regulated through state or local rules and permitting/inspection is common—verify requirements where you plan to work.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality, require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Average Skilled Trade Pay in South Dakota
Below is a snapshot of typical pay (salary) for popular trades in South Dakota. Figures are pulled from our state wage datasets for each trade.
Tip: Click a trade name to explore pay trends, training paths, and state-by-state comparisons.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $26.76 | $1,070 | $4,640 | $55,630 |
| AV Technician | $33.27 | $1,331 | $5,767 | $69,202 |
| Carpenter | $26.06 | $1,042 | $4,517 | $54,205 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $35.92 | $1,437 | $6,226 | $74,714 |
| CNC Machinist | $24.65 | $986 | $4,273 | $51,272 |
| Construction | $26.16 | $1,046 | $4,534 | $54,413 |
| Concrete Finisher | $28.68 | $1,147 | $4,971 | $59,654 |
| Diesel Technician | $29.77 | $1,191 | $5,160 | $61,922 |
| Electrician | $31.51 | $1,260 | $5,462 | $65,541 |
| Heavy Equipment | $25.72 | $1,008 | $4,365 | $52,376 |
| HVAC Technician | $29.01 | $1,162 | $5,037 | $60,445 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $28.68 | $1,147 | $4,971 | $59,651 |
| Ironworker | $27.32 | $1,092 | $4,734 | $56,802 |
| Lineworker | $42.80 | $1,712 | $7,418 | $89,017 |
| Marine Mechanic | $29.64 | $1,185 | $5,137 | $61,660 |
| Mason | $27.86 | $1,114 | $4,829 | $57,949 |
| Plumber | $33.39 | $1,309 | $5,670 | $68,046 |
| Roofer | $24.95 | $998 | $4,325 | $51,896 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $26.42 | $1,029 | $4,457 | $53,478 |
| Welder | $25.26 | $1,006 | $4,359 | $52,310 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
Why South Dakota Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
South Dakota’s skilled-trade demand is shaped by agriculture, energy infrastructure, healthcare systems, and statewide public works rather than dense urban development. While the state has fewer large cities, consistent investment in utilities, transportation, and industrial facilities creates steady opportunities for electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, welders, mechanics, and heavy equipment operators.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Sioux Falls: Healthcare expansion, warehousing, and commercial development support electrical, HVAC, and plumbing trades.
- Rapid City: Regional healthcare facilities, military-adjacent infrastructure, and service trades.
- Statewide: Utility maintenance, road construction, agricultural facilities, and energy distribution drive demand across rural areas.
Major Employers and Contractors in South Dakota
Tradespeople in South Dakota often work with utilities, healthcare systems, and regional contractors, including:
- Sanford Health — Large healthcare facilities requiring mechanical, electrical, and maintenance trades.
- MidAmerican Energy — Electrical and gas infrastructure supporting utility trades.
- Knife River — Construction materials, roadwork, and heavy civil projects.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in South Dakota
South Dakota is a right-to-work state with a predominantly non-union trade workforce. Most skilled tradespeople enter the field through technical schools, employer-sponsored training, or direct hiring. Union opportunities exist but are limited and typically tied to utility, energy, or large infrastructure projects.
Union Apprenticeships in South Dakota
Union programs are present in select trades and regions, often connected to utilities or larger contractors:
- IBEW Local 426 — Electrical apprenticeships serving eastern South Dakota, including Sioux Falls.
- IBEW Local 109 — Covers western South Dakota, including Rapid City and regional utility work.
- Operating Engineers Local 49 — Heavy equipment and infrastructure-related apprenticeships.