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Crane Operator Licensing in South Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for crane operator in South Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Crane Operator in South Dakota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $70,400 median (6% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #19 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet South Dakota eligibility requirements for Crane Operator licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit the application to South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in South Dakota

With a median salary of $70,400, Crane Operators in South Dakota earn 6% above the national median of $66,370. South Dakota ranks #19 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,123

Median annual salary

$70,400

Hourly estimate

$33.85
6% above national median

Difference: +$4,030

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$46,770
  • P2525th percentile$54,780
  • P50Median$70,400
  • P7575th percentile$78,240
  • P9090th percentile$91,550

State vs National Median

State: $70,400
National: $66,370

Total employment: 50 | Annual openings: N/A

Crane Operator Salary Ranking

#19 of 50 statesfor Crane Operator median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Nevada$129,930
#2Hawaii$115,870
#3Oregon$110,280
#4New York$110,000
#5Washington$96,870

Nearby States Comparison

Crane Operator licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Dakota$70,400Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$74,880Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$67,320Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$55,620Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nebraska$66,800Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wyoming$76,110Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Montana$91,520No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa70MediumDocumented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wyoming62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources

523 E Capitol Ave, Joe Foss Building, 3rd Floor, Pierre, SD, 57501

Phone: 6057733754

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in South Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$78,140Varies by state boardVaries by board
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$48,410Varies by state boardVaries by board
Carpenter$46,500Varies by state boardVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$63,320Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Crane Operator 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 is the typical Crane Operator salary in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for Crane Operators in South Dakota is $70,400. Salaries range from $46,770 (10th percentile) to $91,550 (90th percentile).

How does the Crane Operator salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?

Crane Operators in South Dakota earn 6% above the national median of $66,370, with a state median of $70,400.

How many Crane Operators work in South Dakota?

South Dakota employs approximately 50 Crane Operators according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Crane Operator license to South Dakota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Crane Operators in South Dakota?

The licensing agency is South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources. Review agency details at https://danr.sd.gov/OfficeOfWater/OperatorCert/default.aspx.

How often do you renew a Crane Operator license in South Dakota?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.