CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by SD Board of Business

Civil Engineer Licensing in South Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for civil engineer in South Dakota, including See board website and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See board website

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Civil Engineer in South Dakota

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See board website

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    South Dakota Board of Technical Professions

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See board website

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $95,110 median (4% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #29 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet South Dakota eligibility requirements for Civil Engineer licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit your application to the South Dakota Board of Technical Professions.

Salary Insights in South Dakota

With a median salary of 95,110, Civil Engineers in South Dakota earn 4% below the national median of 99590. South Dakota ranks #29 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$95,110

Hourly estimate

$45.73
4% below national median

Difference: -$4,480

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$67,500
  • P2525th percentile$79,150
  • P50Median$95,110
  • P7575th percentile$108,590
  • P9090th percentile$127,610

State vs National Median

State: $95,110
National: $99,590

Total employment: 1270 | Annual openings: null

Civil Engineer Salary Ranking

#29 of 50 statesfor Civil Engineer median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California118,450
#2Rhode Island112,250
#3Alaska107,240
#4Washington105,090
#5New Mexico104,600

Nearby States Comparison

Civil Engineer licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Dakota$95,110Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
North Dakota$96,160Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Minnesota$101,440Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Iowa$94,500Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required6-24 months
Nebraska$99,360Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Wyoming$95,800Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Montana$80,390No educational requirementsNo exam required6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wyoming54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.

Official Licensing Agency

South Dakota Board of Technical Professions

2525 West Main St Suite 211, Rapid City, SD, 57702

Phone: 6053942510

Related Careers in South Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$102,420Varies by state board6-24 months
Certified Public Accountant$77,310Varies by state board6-24 months
Financial Advisor$123,380Varies by state board6-24 months
Funeral Director$58,990Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Civil Engineer in South Dakota?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Civil Engineer salary in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for Civil Engineers in South Dakota is 95,110. Salaries range from 67500 (10th percentile) to 127610 (90th percentile).

How does the Civil Engineer salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?

Civil Engineers in South Dakota earn 4% below the national median of 99590, with a state median of 95,110.

How many Civil Engineers work in South Dakota?

South Dakota employs approximately 1270 Civil Engineers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Civil Engineer license to South Dakota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.

Who is the licensing agency for Civil Engineers in South Dakota?

The licensing agency is South Dakota Board of Technical Professions. Review agency details at https://dlr.sd.gov/btp.