How to Become an HVAC Technician in South Dakota

HVAC technicians are some of the true hidden gems of the South Dakota community.

They’re not only responsible for installing HVAC systems in homes and businesses across Mount Rushmore State, but they’re also responsible for maintaining and repairing those HVAC systems when things go wrong.

With mild-to-extreme winters and semi-humid summers, HVAC technicians are never without work.

How to Become an HVAC Technician in South Dakota: A Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming an HVAC technician could be one of the best decisions you ever make, especially in a state like South Dakota – where the demand for HVAC technicians has never been higher.

If this sounds like a career for you, don’t worry – it might take a little time to come to fruition, but getting started is easy.

For starters, South Dakota is one of the few states in the US that doesn’t issue HVAC licenses at the state level.

Instead, they let the local municipalities define the regulations, standards, and requirements for working in the HVAC industry.

If you’re interested in getting started in the industry, then follow these steps!

Schooling & Education

Anyone interested in entering the HVAC industry must obtain a high school diploma or GED.

While formal schooling isn’t required beyond that, most HVAC professionals would recommend receiving some form of post-secondary education – either through a college-level course or an accredited HVAC program.

HVAC schools and other related programs are designed to give aspiring HVAC technicians all the tools they need to succeed in the industry by combining in-classroom learning with hands-on experience in the field.

Most schools and programs last anywhere from 6 months to 4 years – every program is different.

Obtain EPA 608 Certification

Anyone interested in installing, maintaining, repairing, disposing of, or working on HVAC systems needs to obtain an EPA 608 certification to ensure technicians understand the danger behind the misuse or mishandling of refrigerants – this is all spelled out in Section 608 of the Clean Air Act (passed in 1990).

There are four different types of EPA 608 certifications to consider – Type I (for small appliances with less than 5 pounds of refrigerant), Type II (for high-pressure systems with more than 5 pounds of refrigerant), Type III (for low-pressure systems), and Universal (for those who wish to receive all three certifications).

Complete an Apprenticeship

HVAC technicians aren’t required to obtain a license before working in South Dakota, but they do need to work under an HVAC contractor that’s licensed in the city they operate in.

With that being said, anyone can sign up for an HVAC apprenticeship program – so long as they pass the EPA 608 certification exam.

Two of the most popular HVAC apprenticeships in South Dakota include the South Dakota Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (SDAPHCC) and the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 10.

Most apprenticeship programs last 4-5 years but allow you to earn a wage while continuing to learn the trade.

Obtain Local License

South Dakota doesn’t issue HVAC licenses at the state level, but some municipalities issue local licenses for those who want to work as HVAC contractors.

Anyone who wants to own an HVAC business is also required to register the business with the South Dakota Secretary of State and obtain a business license.

Here are the requirements for obtaining an HVAC license in Rapid City:

• Issued by the City of Rapid City Building Services Division
• Mechanical Journeyman License – four years of mechanical trade (HVAC) experience
• Mechanical Contractor License – two years of experience at the Journeyman level
• Gas Contractor License – three years of experience in the fuel gas trade
• All individuals (no matter what license they’re after) must pass an exam to obtain a license
• Licenses last three years, at which point they need to be renewed

Here are the requirements for obtaining an HVAC license in Sioux Falls:

• Issued by the City of Sioux Falls Building Services
• Mechanical Contractor License and Refrigeration Contractor License
• Four years of experience in the field (2,000 hours per year)
• $75 application fee, $10,000 surety bond, $200 license fee ($100 for second year)
• All individuals (no matter what license they’re after) must pass an exam to obtain a license
• It needs to be renewed every two years

HVAC contractors have the power to employ non-licensed HVAC technicians, so long as they work under the direct supervision of a licensed contractor – such as yourself.

This allows contractors to help aspiring technicians get their feet wet in the industry and, one day, become contractors themselves. 

Additional Certifications to Consider

In addition to the local, state, and federal licenses/certifications required to become an HVAC technician, there are a number of other certifications offered across the country that could supplement the knowledge you’ve already gained.

Here are a few popular examples:

• NATE Certification (North American Technician Excellence)
• ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers)
• RSES (Refrigeration Service Engineers Society)
• BPI (Building Performance Institute)

Although not required, there’s nothing wrong with honing your skills and establishing yourself as a leader in the industry by taking any and all courses possible – including the national certifications listed above.

HVAC Schools in South Dakota

Aspiring HVAC technicians aren’t required to receive any formal education beyond a high school diploma or GED, but that doesn’t mean it won’t help them in their journey – in fact, most HVAC professionals would recommend it whenever possible.

It’s a great way to get your feet wet before diving head-first.

The two primary organizations responsible for accrediting HVAC schools, programs, and apprenticeships in the US are the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA) and HVAC Excellence – always prioritize programs or courses accredited by one of these two organizations.

There are no PAHRA-accredited schools in South Dakota, but there are two HVAC Excellence-accredited schools and one alternative to consider – more on those below:

Mitchell Technical College

Location: 1800 E Spruce St, Mitchell, SD 57301

Program: Heating & Cooling Technology

Accredited By: HVAC Excellence

Course Length: 1-year diploma or 5-semester Associates Degree

Tuition Cost: $8,199 (diploma) or $17,817 (degree)

Located just one hour (70 miles) west of Sioux Falls, the Mitchell Technical College offers an HVAC Excellence-accredited program with two options – an associate degree that takes 2.5 years to complete or a diploma that takes one year to complete. 

They have several scholarships available for financial relief.

Southeast Technical College

Location: 2205 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57107

Program: HVAC/R

Accredited By: HVAC-Excellence

Course Length: 1-year diploma or 2-year associate degree

Tuition Cost: $255 per credit hour (for degree)

Located just four miles from the heart of downtown Sioux Falls, the Southeast Technical College offers an HVAC Excellence-accredited program with two options – a diploma that takes one year to complete or an associate degree that takes two years to complete.

The degree combines HVAC/R and plumbing training.

Western Dakota Technical College

Location: 800 Mickelson Dr, Rapid City, SD 57703

Program: HVAC & Refrigeration Technology

Accredited By: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Course Length: 18 months

Tuition Cost: $255 per credit hour

Located just three miles from the heart of downtown Rapid City, the Western Dakota Technical College offers an HVAC program that allows aspiring technicians and contractors the opportunity to learn how to use modern HVAC and refrigeration equipment, trainers, simulation, software, instruments, and tools.

HVAC Technician Salary in South Dakota

The average salary for an HVAC technician in the United States is $49,321 (between $42,615 and $58,114) – unfortunately for South Dakota residents, that average salary dips to $43,462 (between $37,552 and $51,210).

Don’t let that discourage you, though.

Becoming an HVAC technician or contractor is still one of the most exciting and rewarding careers in the world right now.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Sioux Falls	$44,015
Rapid City	$43,142
Aberdeen	$40,573
Brookings	$43,279
Watertown	$43,279
Mitchell	$43,279
Yankton	$42,701
Pierre	$410,308
Huron	$41,926
Spearfish	$42,406

Regional Salary in South Dakota

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, OCC Code 49-9021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my South Dakota HVAC license in any other state?

Since South Dakota doesn’t issue HVAC licenses at the state level, your HVAC license won’t work outside of the local jurisdiction that issued it.

How often do I need to renew my HVAC license in South Dakota?

It depends on what city you’re in.

For example, Rapid City contractors must renew their licenses every three years, while Sioux Falls contractors must renew them every two years.

How many HVAC technicians are there in South Dakota?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are just over 1,000 HVAC technicians and contractors in South Dakota.

How long does it take to become an HVAC technician in South Dakota?

It usually takes 4-5 years to make your way through HVAC school and an apprenticeship before you’re ready to obtain a license, but you can start work as an HVAC technician right out of high school.

HVAC Technician Info by State