Electrician Classes in South Dakota (Top Schools)

The SD Department of Labor and Regulation predicts job growth of 12.5% between 2014 and 2024 for electricians.

This would mean more job opportunities and higher-than-average salaries for these tradesmen.

So if you want a career in the electrical field, now’s your time to do it.

Here’s how you can become an electrician in South Dakota.

Potential Salary

South Dakota electricians have the following salary information according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2021:

Mean Wage:

• Annually – $51,760
• Hourly – $24.89

Regional Salary

How to Become an Electrician in South Dakota

The SD Electrical Commission regulates the licenses of the following individuals:

• Apprentice electrician
• Journeyman electrician
• Class B electrician
• Electrical contractor

Becoming an Apprentice Electrician

Qualifications

The Commission requires the registration of apprentice electricians.

To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program
• Have been employed as an apprentice under a licensed SD Class B electrician or electrical contractor

License Application

To apply, you must submit the following:

• Completed apprentice license application
• Application fee – $20

License Renewal

Your license will expire on June 30 of every even-numbered year.

To renew, you must submit the following:

• Completed renewal application
• Renewal fee – $20
• Proof of completing 16 continuing education hours, 8 hours of which is about the electrical code

Becoming a Journeyman Electrician

Qualifications

To qualify, you must meet these requirements:

• At least 4 years (8,000 hours) of apprenticeship training
• Successfully pass the required licensure exam

License Application

To apply, you must submit the following:

• Completed electrical license application
• Application fee – $60
• License fee – $80
• Documented work experience

Exam Details

The Commission will administer the licensure exam.

If you get approved, they will send you the exam information.

Note that you must take the exam within 90 days of approval.

License Renewal

Your license will expire on June 30 of every even-numbered year.

To renew, you must submit the following:

• Completed renewal application
• Renewal fee – $80
• Proof of completing 16 CE hours, 8 hours of which is about the electrical code

Becoming a Class B Electrician

Qualifications

To qualify, you must meet these requirements:

• At least 2 years (4,000 hours) of work experience under a Class B electrician or electrical contractor, at least 1 year (2,00 hours) of which is in residential and farmstead wiring
• Successfully pass the required licensure exam

License Application

To apply, you must submit the following:

• Completed electrical license application
• Application fee – $60
• License fee – $100
• Documented work experience
• Certificate of $10,000 bond
• Insurance certificate
  • Public liability insurance – at least $100,000 per occurrence
  • Bodily injury and property damage – at least $25,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate
• Successfully pass the exam

Exam Details

Please see the journeyman electrician exam details for the information.

License Renewal

Your license will expire on June 30 of every even-numbered year.

To renew, you must submit the following:

• Completed renewal application
• Renewal fee – $100
• Proof of completing 16 CE hours, 8 hours of which is about the electrical code

Becoming an Independent Electrical Contractor

Qualifications

To qualify, you must meet these requirements:

• Successfully pass the required licensure exam; AND,

If you’re a journeyman

• At least 2 years (4,000 hours) of work experience under an electrical contractor, at least 1 year (2,00 hours) of which is in commercial wiring

If you’re a Class B electrician

• At least 1 year (2,00 hours) of work experience under an electrical contractor in commercial wiring

License Application

To apply, you must submit the following:

• Completed electrical license application
• Application fee – $60
• License fee – $100
• Documented work experience
• Certificate of $10,000 bond
• Insurance certificate
  • Public liability insurance – at least $100,000 per occurrence
  • Bodily injury and property damage – at least $25,000 per occurrence, $300,000 aggregate
• Successfully pass the exam

Exam Details

Please see the journeyman electrician exam details for the information.

License Renewal

Your license will expire on June 30 of every even-numbered year.

To renew, you must submit the following:

• Completed renewal application
• Renewal fee – $200
• Proof of completing 16 CE hours, 8 hours of which is about the electrical code

Electrical Training Programs and Schools in South Dakota

To satisfy the education, training, and experience requirements, you can either enroll at a technical school or apprenticeship program

Technical School

Attending a technical school can help you obtain basic training that’ll get you an entry-level position.

Here, you’ll learn key trade areas, such as:

• Basic math computations
• Blueprint reading
• Algebra with trigonometry
• Electrical theory
• OSHA regulations and first aid
• Electrical code
• Telecom cabling
• Motor and generator theory
• Fire access and CCTV systems
• Power distribution and load calculations
• Basic telecommunications
• Motor controls
• Basic alarm technology
• Semiconductors
• Logic circuits and programmable controllers

You can contact one of the following companies when you’re ready to get employed:

• Cherne Contracting
• AL Sutton Electric
• Freeman Electric
• Conrad’s Big C Electric
• Kennecott Energy Company
• American Electric
• Clarke Electric
• Muth Electric, Inc.

Apprenticeship Program

You can obtain an apprenticeship through union- or non-union-sponsored apprenticeship programs.

If you prefer a union sponsor, you can apply with the Dakotas Electrical JATC.

If you prefer a non-union sponsor, you can apply with IEC Dakotas.

In applying, both sponsors will usually require the following:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Holds a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Passing grade in high school algebra
• Has a valid driver’s license

The table below lists some accredited schools and associations offering electrical programs.

This page is also available in Spanish.