Licensing Guides
South Dakota Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in South Dakota
Septic, SD
October 1st, 2026
Table of Contents
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in South Dakota?
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in South Dakota?
How Long Does It Take to Get a Septic License in South Dakota?
How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in South Dakota?
Does My South Dakota Septic License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Septic License in South Dakota?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in South Dakota?
Septic License Requirements in South Dakota
We all need safe, reliable sewage management to protect the water supply for our homes and businesses. Those homeowners and businesses that rely on septic tanks, also known as on-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), depend on people who know how to install and maintain those systems to safeguard water quality.
In South Dakota, approximately 25% of residents rely on septic systems, according to the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
There are 30,650 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In South Dakota, about 120 people work in this field, and employment is projected to grow 13% from 2022 to 2032—faster than the national rate of 8% from 2024 to 2034—according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor's job search website.
Demand for skilled tradespeople continues to outpace supply across the country, and septic and wastewater work is no exception. As rural and lakeside development grows and older on-site systems need to be repaired or replaced, homeowners and businesses rely on trained installers to protect groundwater and public health. If you get the training you need, you should have steady work to choose from when you are ready.
If you're thinking about starting a septic business or working in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started.
Types of Septic Licenses in South Dakota
The state of South Dakota offers a certified installer license for septic workers.
Individual and Small On-site Wastewater System Installer
An on-site wastewater system installer in South Dakota is responsible for the proper installation, maintenance, and repair of septic systems.
Job responsibilities include:
Evaluating site conditions, including soil composition, groundwater levels, surface water, and drainage patterns.
Performing percolation tests.
Excavating and preparing the site for the holding tank and drain field.
Installing septic tanks, distribution boxes, and drain fields according to design specifications.
Obtaining required permits and inspections before and after installation.
Complying with local health and environmental codes to prevent contamination and safely transport septage.
Steps to Get a Septic License in South Dakota
Complete the following steps to earn a Septic Installer certification.
Pass the licensing exam with a minimum score of 70%.
Complete the license application.
Mail the application to the South Dakota Plumbing Commission at 217 West Missouri Ave, Pierre, SD, 57501.
Benefits of Getting a Septic License in South Dakota
There are many benefits to getting your South Dakota on-site wastewater installer certification:
Most important, it is required by law to install individual and small on-site wastewater systems in South Dakota.
A certification is proof of your skill and knowledge.
It lets you work legally and advertise your services.
It lets you pull permits and pass required inspections.
It can qualify you for larger residential and commercial jobs.
It can increase your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in South Dakota?
The annual mean wage for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide is $53,500, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In South Dakota, the median annual wage is $40,040, with the lowest 10% earning about $36,810 and the highest 10% earning about $57,300.
The difference between a "mean wage" and a "median wage" can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean wage tells you the mathematical average.
Median wage tells you the point at which half of workers earn less and half earn more, and is usually a better indicator of what most people actually earn.
Wages can vary depending on where you work, your experience, the certifications you hold, and whether you own a business.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in South Dakota?
To become certified, you submit the installer certification application with its application fee and pay a $100 fee for the installer exam. The Plumbing Commission also offers an Individual and Small On-Site Wastewater Systems Handbook for $40 that you can purchase when you submit the application.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a septic installation technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan cloud-based, all-in-one septic business software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
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 the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How to Get a Septic License in South Dakota
South Dakota keeps the path to an on-site wastewater installer certification straightforward. There are no set experience or education requirements to apply. You complete the Individual and Small On-Site Wastewater System Installer certification application, available on the South Dakota Plumbing Commission applications page, and submit it with the application fee.
Next, you schedule and pass the installer exam with a score of at least 70%. Once your application is approved and any fees are paid, the South Dakota Plumbing Commission issues your certification. You can file online or mail a paper application to the Commission at 217 W. Missouri Ave., Pierre, SD 57501. The certification is required under state law before you perform small on-site wastewater system work.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Septic License in South Dakota?
Obtaining a license in South Dakota is relatively quick as there are no job experience or educational requirements. You will receive your license after submitting the application and passing the exam.
South Dakota Septic Training Programs and Schools
While there are no educational requirements for South Dakota’s certification program, you can sharpen your skills by taking plumbing courses at a local community college. For example, Southeast Technical College offers a one-year Plumbing Technology program.
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South Dakota Septic Licensing Exam Details
All exams are by appointment only and held in Pierre, Rapid City, or Sioux Falls. The installer exam fee is $100, and you must score at least 70% to become certified. To schedule an exam, contact the South Dakota Plumbing Commission.
How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in South Dakota?
The exam covers the material an installer needs to install and maintain on-site wastewater systems safely and in line with the state plumbing code. The South Dakota Plumbing Commission offers an installer handbook for $40 that you can order with your application and use as a study reference.
It also helps to review the Commission's laws and rules related to plumbing and on-site wastewater systems. Because exams are by appointment only in Pierre, Rapid City, or Sioux Falls, plan to schedule your exam ahead of time through the Commission. Aim to score at least 70% to pass.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in South Dakota?
The South Dakota Plumbing Commission issues the certification for On-site Wastewater System Installers. The Commission oversees the certification process, including application submission, examination, and compliance with state regulations.
South Dakota's regulations, installation requirements, and design requirements for on-site wastewater systems are found in South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL) Ch. 34A and the Administrative Rules of South Dakota (ARSD), Chapter 74:53:01.
While not the licensing agency, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is responsible for enforcing South Dakota wastewater and environmental protection laws.
Additionally, South Dakota allows property owners to perform basic maintenance, including pumping, of septic systems.
Does My South Dakota Septic License Work in Any Other State?
No, your South Dakota on-site wastewater installer certification does not automatically transfer to another state. Each state sets its own licensing rules, so you would need to apply in that state and meet its requirements. Some states may accept your South Dakota license as proof of eligibility to test or apply. South Dakota, in turn, considers reciprocity on a case-by-case basis.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Septic License in South Dakota?
South Dakota offers partial, case-by-case reciprocity rather than automatic reciprocity. According to the Administrative Rules of South Dakota, “The applicant shall have been licensed by examination in the state from which he comes, the state shall have licensure laws similar to South Dakota's, and the applicant's work in the state from which he comes shall comply with that state's plumbing code and that state's plumbing code shall be equal to or exceed the South Dakota state plumbing code.”
To apply without another exam, you submit the forms the Commission provides and pay the normal examination fee, and the Commission reviews the request before granting the license or, if it is refused, treating the matter as a contested case. You can learn more on the Commission's reciprocal agreements page or in the state reciprocity statute.
National Septic Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Wastewater Technicians and The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association offer certifications. Those and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to South Dakota
South Dakota has a few rules worth knowing beyond the basic certification:
Property owners may perform basic maintenance, including pumping, of their own septic systems, and homeowners may install plumbing on a single-family residence they own and occupy under state law.
The Commission also issues a separate Sewer and Water Installer license for related sewer and water work.
While the Plumbing Commission handles installer certification, the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources enforces the state's wastewater and environmental protection laws, so installers should follow both the licensing rules and applicable environmental requirements.
Are There Septic Scholarships in South Dakota?
Yes. Because septic and wastewater work overlaps with plumbing, related training can qualify for the Build Dakota Scholarship, a full-ride program that covers tuition, fees, and books for high-need technical programs at South Dakota technical colleges. Southeast Technical College's Plumbing Technology program is one of the Build Dakota eligible programs.
In return for the award, scholars agree to work full-time in their field in South Dakota for at least three years after finishing their program. To apply, get accepted into an eligible program at a South Dakota technical college and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), then submit the Build Dakota application through that college.
How Can Someone Verify My Septic License in South Dakota?
Anyone can confirm a South Dakota installer's certification through the South Dakota Plumbing Commission. Follow these steps:
Go to the Commission's Consumer Information page.
Open the current list of specialty licensees and look up the installer by name.
For written confirmation, request a formal verification using the Commission's License Verification form, or contact the Commission office directly at 605.773.3429.
When Can a Septic License Get Suspended in South Dakota?
The South Dakota Plumbing Commission can refuse to issue, suspend, or revoke a license for cause under state law. Common reasons trades licenses face discipline include:
Fraud or misrepresentation.
Criminal convictions related to the work.
Violations of the plumbing code or Commission rules.
Aiding unlicensed work.
Continuing to perform licensed work 60 days or more after a license has expired.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific rules, refer to the official South Dakota Codified Law and Administrative Rules.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in South Dakota?
Performing licensed septic or plumbing work in South Dakota without the required certification is illegal. A violation of the state's plumbing chapter is a misdemeanor. The state can also ask a court to stop unlicensed work through an injunction, meaning a court can order a person to stop performing that work.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For a detailed explanation, refer to the official South Dakota Codified Law and Administrative Rules.
Do I Need to Renew My South Dakota Septic License?
South Dakota's published annual renewal and continuing education requirements apply to its plumbing contractor, plumber, and apprentice licenses, not to the On-site Wastewater System Installer certification. Because the Plumbing Commission does not list a set renewal cycle for the installer certification, contact the Commission at 605.773.3429 to confirm the current status of your certification.
Continuing Education
South Dakota does not require continuing education for On-site Wastewater System Installers. The Commission reserves its four-hour annual continuing education requirement for licensed plumbing contractors, plumbers, and third-year apprentice plumbers.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all septic industry news several ways:
Check top septic blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your septic business.
Listen to top septic podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
The states have licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or contractor license in South Dakota, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
