Licensing Guides
South Dakota Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in South Dakota
Plumbing, SD
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in South Dakota
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in South Dakota?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in South Dakota?
Does My South Dakota Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in South Dakota?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in South Dakota?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but that time and effort can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed because it’s complicated work that affects the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and South Dakota employs 1,800 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding 44,000 plumbers to the ranks across the country. In South Dakota, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is double, at 12% for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in South Dakota in July 2025 totaled 30,400, an increase of 1,300 (4.5%) from July 2024 and an increase of 6,400 or 27% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. South Dakota has strict, statewide standards for working in the plumbing business beginning at the apprentice level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in South Dakota
Is a license required for plumbers in South Dakota? Yes.
South Dakota issues state licenses for Apprentices, Journeymen, and Plumbing Contractors.
The state also licenses Sewer and Water Installers, Appliance Installers, Mobile Home Installers, Water Conditioning Installers, and Underground Irrigation Installers. After working for one year as an installer, you have the opportunity to become a contractor. South Dakota refers to these license classifications as specialty installers/contractors.
Plumbing licensure involves meeting experience requirements, submitting a license application, paying licensing fees, and, for some license categories, passing a plumber exam.
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation’s Plumbing Commission, located in Pierre, is responsible for issuing plumbing licenses across the state.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in South Dakota
What are the types of plumber licenses in South Dakota?
The state of South Dakota issues several types of plumbing licenses, and there are different requirements for each:
Apprentice Plumber: A person who performs plumbing work under the direction of a licensed plumber.
Journeyman Plumber: A person who can install, maintain, and repair residential and commercial plumbing systems, including fixtures, gas lines, and drainage systems, while adhering to plumbing codes.
Plumbing Contractor: Contractors typically perform advanced plumbing work, such as installing and repairing water systems in residential and commercial buildings, and oversee apprentice and journeyman plumbers.
Sewer and Water Installer/Contractor: A person who engages in the trade or business of selling and setting up sewer and water installations.
Appliance Installer/Contractor: A person who engages in the business or trade of appliance installation.
Mobile Home Installer/Contractor: A person who engages in the business or trade of installing plumbing systems in mobile homes.
Water Conditioning Installer/Contractor: A person who works in the treatment of water, and the installation and repair of appliances designed to treat water to alter, modify, add, or remove mineral, chemical, or bacterial content.
Underground Irrigation Installer/Contractor: A person who works in the installation, maintenance, repair, or removal of underground irrigation systems.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Apprentice Plumber License
Must have a high school diploma or GED, photo ID, and a valid driver’s license.
Must obtain employment as an apprentice with a plumbing contractor.
Must complete the apprentice license application.
Pay the $10 license fee.
Journeyman Plumber License
Must obtain four years of work experience, with at least 1,900 hours of work experience per year.
Must complete the Journeyman license application.
Must pass a licensing exam and pay the $100 exam fee.
Pay the $105 license fee.
Plumbing Contractor
Must obtain six years of work experience, with at least two years of experience as a Journeyman plumber.
Must complete the Contractor license application.
Must pass a licensing exam and pay the $100 exam fee.
Pay the $275 license fee.
Sewer and Water Installer/Contractor:
Must obtain two years of experience.
Must complete the Sewer and Water Installer license application.
Must pass a licensing exam and pay the $100 exam fee.
Pay the $50 license fee.
If you wish to become a contractor, you need a minimum of one year of experience as a Sewer and Water Installer. The license fee is $50.
Appliance Installer/Contractor
Must obtain two years of experience.
Must complete the Appliance Installer license application.
Must pass a licensing exam and pay the $100 exam fee.
Pay the $50 license fee.
If you wish to become a contractor, you need a minimum of one year of experience as an Appliance Installer. The license fee is $50.
Mobile Home Installer
Must obtain two years of experience.
Must complete the Mobile Home Installer license application.
Must pass a licensing exam and pay the $100 exam fee.
Pay the $50 license fee.
If you wish to become a contractor, you need a minimum of one year of experience as a Mobile Home Installer. The license fee is $50.
Water Conditioning Installer
Must obtain two years of experience.
Must complete the Water Conditioning Installer license application.
Must pass a licensing exam and pay the $100 exam fee.
Pay the $50 license fee.
If you wish to become a contractor, you need a minimum of one year of experience as an Water Conditioning Installer. The license fee is $50.
Underground Irrigation Installer
Must obtain two years of experience.
Must complete the Water Underground Irrigation Installer license application.
Must pass a licensing exam and pay the $100 exam fee.
Pay the $50 license fee.
If you wish to become a contractor, you need a minimum of one year of experience as an Underground Irrigation Installer. The license fee is $50.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in South Dakota
You must have a high school diploma or GED, photo ID, and a valid driver’s license.
You must choose your license classification and obtain employment as an apprentice with a plumbing contractor.
To become eligible for a Journeyman Plumber license, you must acquire four years of work experience. If applying for one of the five specialty contractor licenses, you need to demonstrate two years of work experience.
Pass the licensing examination and pay the exam fee.
If you wish to be a licensed Plumbing Contractor, you need to obtain two years of experience as a licensed Journeyman Plumber. If you want to be a Specialty Contractor, you need to obtain one year as a licensed installer.
Pay the application fee for your license type and submit the application.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbers License in South Dakota
There are many benefits to getting your South Dakota plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in South Dakota to be licensed through the state to legally perform any plumbing work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed plumbing contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Plumber in South Dakota?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in South Dakota is $55,090, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers. In South Dakota those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $49,800
Intermediate (2-4 years): $64,700
Senior (4-7 years): $70,100
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in South Dakota?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in South Dakota is fairly low. The fee for the apprentice registration is just $10. There’s no other cost associated with becoming an apprentice, and you’ll have the opportunity to earn while you learn. There are application and exam fees for licensing.
Journeyman Plumber: Application fee: $105 | Examination Fee: $100
Plumbing Contractor: Application fee: $275 | Examination Fee: $100
Specialty Installer: Application fee: $50 | Examination Fee: $100
Specialty Contractor: Application fee: $50 | Examination Fee: $100
Advanced education is not required in the state, though you may choose to attend a trade school before pursuing an apprenticeship. Community College Review shows tuition at South Dakota community colleges on average is $5,692 per year for in-state students and $10,568 for out-of-state students.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in South Dakota
South Dakota offers multiple types of plumbing licenses and licensees have several paths to join the plumbing industry. Regardless of the license types, you’ll begin the process by registering as an apprentice with the South Dakota State Plumbing Commission.
APPRENTICESHIP: South Dakota requires anyone doing plumbing work to register as an apprentice and pay a $10 registration fee. You may then begin accruing the experience needed for your license classification. Journeyman Plumbers need a minimum of four years of experience to qualify for licensure. To become eligible for a Plumbing Contractor license, you must acquire an additional two years as a Journeyman. To qualify for a Specialty Installer, you need two years of experience, and an additional year to become a Specialty Contractor.
APPLY FOR LICENSURE: After gaining the necessary experience, you can complete the license application for your specific classification. Journeyman and Plumbing Contractors must submit this application. There are separate applications for Specialty Installers and Specialty Contractors. Make sure to include the application fee and Experience Verification Form along with your application.
Mail your application to:
South Dakota Plumbing Commission 217 W. Missouri Ave. Pierre, SD 57501
TAKE EXAM: The State Plumbing Commission administers plumbing examinations in South Dakota. According to the Commission, “Application fees and exam fees must have been submitted and applicants must have been approved to take the exam in order to schedule an exam in Pierre or attend exam sessions in Rapid City or Sioux Falls.” The exam fee is $100. Contractors must score 80% to pass, and Journeymen need to score at least 70% to qualify for licensure.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in South Dakota?
It takes four years to qualify to take the Journeyman Plumber license exam and another two years as a journeyman to qualify to take the contractor exam. Specialty Installer licenses require two years of work experience to qualify for licensure, and an additional year to qualify for a Specialty Contractor license.
South Dakota Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for a lot more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses, so they must know more than just the mechanics. They must know the Uniform Plumbing Code.
Since the state of South Dakota requires plumbing professionals to begin their career as a registered apprentice, you most likely won’t choose to get a postsecondary degree. However, if you want to build your knowledge before beginning as an apprentice, there are colleges in South Dakota that offer plumbing programs, as well as many other training programs to get the training you need to join the plumbing trade. You can choose to attend a community or technical college and earn a certificate or degree in plumbing.
Training options include:
Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls: Offers a Plumbing Certificate program.
Western Dakota Technical college in Rapid City: Offers a Plumbing Technology program.
Apprenticeship: The path most often taken is a plumbing apprenticeship. South Dakota’s StartTodaySD program maintains a database of registered apprenticeships.
Some apprenticeships are sponsored by local employers, while others are offered through unions or local trade associations. The South Dakota Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors, based in Sioux Falls, and UA Local 192, serving the entire state, as well as parts of Wyoming and Nebraska, are just two examples.
Any program should cover OSHA safety training, detailed instruction in chemistry, mathematics, physics, blueprint reading and drafting, in-depth examination of state codes, and advanced training about water treatment systems, drainage systems, water supply systems, water heaters, plumbing appliances, and plumbing fixtures.
Tuition: Apprenticeships may have some upfront costs of tuition and book fees, but the apprentice will be paid a percentage of the journeyman wage rate and will receive periodic wage increases as they meet program requirements. The cost of tuition at a vocational school or college depends on the program you choose, but can range from $2,000 at a community college to $40,000 at a state or private school for an associate degree or bachelor degree in engineering.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit, because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options in South Dakota, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in South Dakota.
South Dakota Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
The State Plumbing Commission administers plumbing exams in South Dakota. To schedule an exam in Pierre or attend group sessions in Rapid City or Sioux Falls, applicants must submit an application and pay exam fees to receive approval. The exam fee is $100. Contractors must score 80% to pass, while South Dakota Journeymen must score at least 70% to qualify for licensure. The exam covers pipe sizing, plumbing installations, drawings and schematics, and the Uniform Plumbing Code. You can find more information on the Department of Labor and Regulation website.
Who Issues Plumbers Licenses in South Dakota?
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulations Plumbing Commission issues all plumbing-related licenses across the state.
Does My South Dakota Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
Yes. Some states accept South Dakota plumbing licenses so long as the training is equal to or greater than training requirements in the state.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in South Dakota?
South Dakota grants reciprocity without an examination if candidates pay the required fee and hold a license from a state the Commission recognizes as equivalent. The Commission currently recognizes reciprocity agreements with Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, and Colorado.
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications), and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to South Dakota
To keep your state-issued license current, South Dakota requires license renewal every two years. Individuals can renew online or through traditional mail. You can find all renewal forms online via the Department of Labor and Regulation.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in South Dakota?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarships available in South Dakota. Options include:
South Dakota Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors: Offers two $2,000 scholarships annually for students interested in the plumbing trades.
Build Dakota Scholarship: In partnership with Southeast Technical College, the scholarship covers 100% of tuition, fees, books, technology, and tools for eligible students.
In addition to this scholarship, plumbing students in South Dakota can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many South Dakota community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in South Dakota?
To verify a plumbing license in South Dakota, Contact the Plumbing Commission by phone at 605-773-3429 or via email at SDPlumbing@state.sd.us.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in South Dakota?
A suspended plumber’s license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that a South Dakota plumbing licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing plumbing professionals
Licensees can also face disciplinary action if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about South Dakota plumbing license regulations you can refer to the Administrative Rules of South Dakota.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in South Dakota?
Plumbing without a license in South Dakota is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor, which can result in fines and potential jail time.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about South Dakota plumbing license regulations you can refer to the Administrative Rules of South Dakota.
Continuing Education
South Dakota requires each applicant for renewal to successfully complete a minimum of four hours of continuing education relating to the plumbing trade during the previous calendar year. All continuing education requirements must be obtained through one of the state-approved providers.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s Toolbox for the Trades podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive plumbing business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
