Application Fee
See agencyFinancial Advisor Licensing in South Dakota
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for financial advisor in South Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Financial Advisor in South Dakota
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Register with licensing agency
- Education: Varies by state board
- Examination: State-approved exam
- Application Fee: See agency
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
South Dakota Division of Securities
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$123,380 median (21% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#6 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in South Dakota
With a median salary of 123,380, Financial Advisors in South Dakota earn 21% above the national median of $102,140. South Dakota ranks #6 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$123,380Hourly estimate
$59.32Difference: +$21,240
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFinancial Advisor Salary Ranking
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | 167,970 |
| #2 | Idaho | 136,440 |
| #3 | California | 128,650 |
| #4 | Delaware | 128,170 |
| #5 | New Jersey | 123,690 |
Nearby States Comparison
Financial Advisor licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | $123,380 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| North Dakota | $98,990 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Minnesota | $94,420 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $81,790 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $74,040 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Wyoming | $102,140 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Montana | $96,670 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| North Dakota | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
South Dakota Division of Securities
124 S Euclid Ave, 2nd Floor, Pierre, SD, 57501-3185
Phone: 6057733563
Related Careers in South Dakota
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $102,420 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $77,310 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $95,110 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Funeral Director | $58,990 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Financial Advisor 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 Financial Advisor salary in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Financial Advisors in South Dakota is 123,380.
How does the Financial Advisor salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?
Financial Advisors in South Dakota earn 21% above the national median of $102,140, with a state median of 123,380.
How many Financial Advisors work in South Dakota?
South Dakota employs approximately 500 Financial Advisors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Financial Advisor 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 Financial Advisors in South Dakota?
The licensing agency is South Dakota Division of Securities. Review agency details at http://dlr.sd.gov/securities/.