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Verified by SD Board of Education

Librarian Licensing in South Dakota

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Librarian 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 agency

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    South Dakota Department of Education • Certification Office

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $49,290 median (23% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #46 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in South Dakota

With a median salary of 49,290, Librarians in South Dakota earn 23% below the national median of $64,320. South Dakota ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$49,290

Hourly estimate

$23.70
23% below national median

Difference: -$15,030

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$34,840
  • P2525th percentile$42,400
  • P50Median$49,290
  • P7575th percentile$58,360
  • P9090th percentile$75,360

State vs National Median

State: $49,290
National: $64,320

Total employment: 460 | Annual openings: N/A

Librarian Salary Ranking

#46 of 50 statesfor Librarian median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington94,400
#2California86,590
#3Maryland81,690
#4Nevada79,710
#5New Jersey79,380

Nearby States Comparison

Librarian licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Dakota$49,290Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
North Dakota$61,540Degree requiredNo exam required6-24 months
Minnesota$75,260Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Iowa$52,780Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Nebraska$61,990Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Wyoming$48,290Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Montana$62,020Degree requiredThird-party 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 Dakota54LowState-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. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

South Dakota Department of Education • Certification Office

800 Governors Dr, Pierre, SD, 57501

Phone: 6057733134

Related Careers in South Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
K-12 Teacher$49,110Varies by state board6-24 months
School Counselor$52,450Varies by state board6-24 months
Architect$102,420Varies by state board6-24 months
Audiologist$102,310Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Librarian 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 Librarian salary in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for Librarians in South Dakota is 49,290. Salaries range from $34,840 (10th percentile) to $75,360 (90th percentile).

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

Librarians in South Dakota earn 23% below the national median of $64,320, with a state median of 49,290.

How many Librarians work in South Dakota?

South Dakota employs approximately 460 Librarians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Librarian 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 Librarians in South Dakota?

The licensing agency is South Dakota Department of Education / Certification Office. Review agency details at https://doe.sd.gov/certification/.