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Licensed Professional Counselor Licensing in South Dakota

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Licensed Professional Counselor in South Dakota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Varies by state board.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • State-approved exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $53,400 median (10% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #39 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet South Dakota eligibility requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists Examiners and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in South Dakota

With a median salary of $53,400, Licensed Professional Counselors in South Dakota earn 10% below the national median of $59,190. South Dakota ranks #39 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

$53,400

Hourly estimate

$25.67
10% below national median

Difference: -$5,790

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$40,410
  • P2525th percentile$46,260
  • P50Median$53,400
  • P7575th percentile$59,770
  • P9090th percentile$74,250

State vs National Median

State: $53,400
National: $59,190

Total employment: 1,510 | Annual openings: N/A

Licensed Professional Counselor Salary Ranking

#39 of 50 statesfor Licensed Professional Counselor median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska$79,220
#2New Mexico$70,770
#3Oregon$69,660
#4North Dakota$66,450
#5Utah$65,920

Nearby States Comparison

Licensed Professional Counselor licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Dakota$53,400Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$66,450Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$58,720Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$60,880Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$64,410Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wyoming$61,640Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Montana$58,660Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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 Dakota68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wyoming68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists Examiners

1351 N. Harrison, Pierre, SD, 57501

Phone: 6052241721

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in South Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Varies by state boardVaries by board
AnesthesiologistN/AVaries by state boardVaries by board
Athletic Trainer$54,200Varies by state boardVaries by board
Audiologist$102,310Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Licensed Professional Counselor 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 Licensed Professional Counselor salary in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for Licensed Professional Counselors in South Dakota is $53,400. Salaries range from $40,410 (10th percentile) to $74,250 (90th percentile).

How does the Licensed Professional Counselor salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?

Licensed Professional Counselors in South Dakota earn 10% below the national median of $59,190, with a state median of $53,400.

How many Licensed Professional Counselors work in South Dakota?

South Dakota employs approximately 1,510 Licensed Professional Counselors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to South Dakota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Licensed Professional Counselors in South Dakota?

The licensing agency is Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists Examiners. Review agency details at https://dss.sd.gov/licensingboards/counselors/counselors.aspx.

How often do you renew a Licensed Professional Counselor license in South Dakota?

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