Application Fee
See agencyVerified by SD Board of Business
Court Reporter Licensing in South Dakota
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for court reporter in South Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Court Reporter in South Dakota
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
High degree of organization and clarity;
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
State Bar of South Dakota
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$72,300 median (7% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#11 of 49 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet South Dakota eligibility requirements for Court Reporter licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to State Bar of South Dakota and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in South Dakota
With a median salary of $72,300, Court Reporters in South Dakota earn 7% above the national median of $67,310. South Dakota ranks #11 among 49 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+3.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,123Median annual salary
$72,300Hourly estimate
$34.767% above national median
Difference: +$4,990
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCourt Reporter Salary Ranking
#11 of 49 statesfor Court Reporter median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $109,220 |
| #2 | Texas | $105,550 |
| #3 | California | $103,640 |
| #4 | Washington | $102,620 |
| #5 | Iowa | $89,290 |
Nearby States Comparison
Court Reporter licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | $72,300 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| North Dakota | $67,810 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $89,290 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $72,910 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1 month |
| Wyoming | $67,310 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 5-7 years |
| Montana | $51,720 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Dakota | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Montana | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
State Bar of South Dakota
See official licensing board website
Phone: N/A
Related Careers in South Dakota
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $102,420 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $37,440 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $77,310 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $95,110 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Court Reporter in South Dakota?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Court Reporters in South Dakota?
South Dakota lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Court Reporters.
What education do you need to become a Court Reporter in South Dakota?
The board typically expects Degree required for Court Reporter licensure in South Dakota.
What is the typical Court Reporter salary in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Court Reporters in South Dakota is $72,300. Salaries range from $40,980 (10th percentile) to $75,500 (90th percentile).
How does the Court Reporter salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?
Court Reporters in South Dakota earn 7% above the national median of $67,310, with a state median of $72,300.
How many Court Reporters work in South Dakota?
South Dakota employs approximately 40 Court Reporters according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Court Reporter license to South Dakota from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Court Reporters in South Dakota?
The licensing agency is State Bar of South Dakota. Review agency details at http://statebarofsouthdakota.com/.
How often do you renew a Court Reporter license in South Dakota?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.