How to Become a Plumber in South Dakota

In the vast expanse of South Dakota, where the rolling prairies meet the expansive skies, the plumbing industry plays a crucial role in maintaining the seamless flow of life.

The state’s rural charm and tight-knit communities rely on the expertise of plumbers to keep homes, businesses, and towns functioning smoothly.

Much like the intricate threads of a quilt, the plumbing network weaves its way through South Dakotans’ daily lives, ensuring the uninterrupted rhythm of essential services.

Becoming a plumber in Mount Rushmore State is not merely a vocation; it’s a commitment to upholding the foundations of modern living.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps and insights on becoming a plumber in South Dakota.

How to Become a Plumber in South Dakota – Step by Step

There are no age requirements to start your plumbing journey in South Dakota.

You will begin your career path by enrolling in an apprenticeship program.

Most apprenticeships do require you to have a High School Diploma or the GED equivalent, and a valid driver’s license.

You can complete your apprenticeship by:

• enrolling in an approved apprenticeship program
• to work directly under the supervision of an already-licensed plumber, who will be your mentor

When you begin your apprenticeship you will need to register as an apprentice plumber and pay the $10 application fee.

You should renew your registration and pay the $10 fee annually for 4 years until you complete your apprenticeship.

If you want or feel the need to you can also attend any form of formal education program:

• community or technical college
• vocational school
• plumber-specific programs

However, this is not mandatory in South Dakota.

In their third and fourth years, apprentice plumbers who have completed two years (3,800 hours) of training and assisting with plumbing

installation, modifications, and repairs under a plumbing contractor may work independently, but only on single-family homes and only

after passing a state-administered exam.

After completing 4 years of apprenticeship you can go on and apply for one of the licenses the state issues.

South Dakota issues the following plumbing licenses:

• Journeyman Plumber License
• Plumbing Contractor License

Journeyman Plumber License

To apply for the Journeyman Plumber license you must have at least 4 years of experience as an apprentice plumber working under the supervision of a licensed professional.

You must have at least 1900 hours of experience annually during your 4 years of training.

You must complete the Journeyman Application Form and pay the $205 application and examination fee.

Alongside your application, you should also submit written statements from present and previous employers which must state:

• dates of employment
• number of hours worked during employment
• extent of work performed during employment

To receive your license you need to pass the North Dakota Journeyman Plumber Exam.

Details surrounding the exam are not public information and, therefore can’t be found online.

Plumbing Contractor License

To apply for the Plumbing Contractor license you must have at least 6 years of experience as an apprentice plumber, plumber, or contractor.

At least 2 of these 6 years of experience need to be spent working as a plumber or contractor.

You must have at least 1900 hours of experience annually during your 6 years of experience.

You must complete the Plumbing Contractor Application Form and pay the $375 application and examination fee.

Alongside your application, you should also submit written statements from present and previous employers which must state:

• dates of employment
• number of hours worked during employment
• extent of work performed during employment

To receive your license you need to pass the North Dakota Plumbing Contractor Plumber Exam.

Details surrounding the exam are not public information and, therefore can’t be found online.

South Dakota has granted licensing reciprocity for both Journeyman and Plumbing Contractor licenses with the following states:

• Minnesota
• North Dakota
• Montana

This applies to citizens who are co-residents only.

Plumbing Schools in South Dakota

South Dakota offers great plumbing training programs to prepare its aspiring plumbers for the field work ahead.

Southeast Technical College

Southeast Technical College offers a 1-year diploma program called Plumbing Technology.
It is a 35-credit program.

The diploma curriculum at Southeast Technical College covers pipe-fitting procedures, construction codes, residential and commercial projects, service calls, and blueprint reading.

Other tasks that may be part of your work could be:

• Preparing cost estimates
• Conducting pressure tests
• Troubleshooting systems
• Replacing worn parts
• Determining job materials needed

This 1-year training program kick-starts your plumbing apprenticeship and puts you ahead in the demanding field of plumbing.

The cost of the program is $255 per credit hour, plus applicable fees.

Vincent Berry is the instructor for this course.

To learn more about their program and how to apply visit their website.

Salary

Plumbers in South Dakota are paid greatly for the hard work they put in every day.

Annual wages can vary from $41964 to $71184.

The current estimated annual average wage is $56518.

Sioux Falls currently has the highest annual average wage in the state at $57576.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Sioux Falls	$57,576
Watertown	$56,614
Brookings	$56,614
Mitchell	$56,614
Rapid City	$56,435
Yankton	$55,857
Vermillion	$55,101
Huron	$54,844
Pierre	$54,036
Aberdeen	$53,074

Regional Salary in South Dakota

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, OCC Code 47-2152, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the plumbing exams being taken in South Dakota?

All plumbing exams are being taken in the following cities in South Dakota:

• Pierre
• Sioux Falls
• Rapid City

When should I renew my South Dakota plumbing license?

All plumbing licenses in South Dakota expire annually on December 31st, so you should have your license renewed up to December 31st annually.

What happens If I fail my plumbing exam in South Dakota?

You will have to retake the exam, you will be informed about the conditions of retaking the exam by the South Dakota

State Plumbing Commission.

Plumber Info by State