Application Fee
See agencyVerified by SD Board of Engineering
Mechanical Engineers Licensing in South Dakota
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mechanical engineers in South Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Mechanical Engineers in South Dakota
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
South Dakota Board of Technical Professions
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$90,590 median (11% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#46 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet South Dakota eligibility requirements for Mechanical Engineers licensure.
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Pass required state examinations.
- 4. Submit the application to South Dakota Board of Technical Professions and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in South Dakota
With a median salary of $90,590, Mechanical Engineerss in South Dakota earn 11% below the national median of $102,320. South Dakota ranks #46 among 50 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
$90,590Hourly estimate
$43.5511% below national median
Difference: -$11,730
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMechanical Engineers Salary Ranking
#46 of 50 statesfor Mechanical Engineers median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New Mexico | $141,490 |
| #2 | Alaska | $129,990 |
| #3 | California | $126,370 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $122,670 |
| #5 | Wyoming | $116,910 |
Nearby States Comparison
Mechanical Engineers licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | $90,590 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| North Dakota | $84,020 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $98,980 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $97,570 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $82,510 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $116,910 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Montana | $99,250 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 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 | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| North Dakota | 50 | 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
Official website verified
South Dakota Board of Technical Professions
2525 West Main St Suite 211, Rapid City, SD, 57702
Phone: 6053942510
Related Careers in South Dakota
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $59,650 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $58,860 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Electrical Engineers | $101,930 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | $81,760 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Mechanical Engineers 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 Mechanical Engineers salary in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Mechanical Engineerss in South Dakota is $90,590. Salaries range from $70,510 (10th percentile) to $128,810 (90th percentile).
How does the Mechanical Engineers salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?
Mechanical Engineerss in South Dakota earn 11% below the national median of $102,320, with a state median of $90,590.
How many Mechanical Engineerss work in South Dakota?
South Dakota employs approximately 680 Mechanical Engineerss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Mechanical Engineers 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 Mechanical Engineerss in South Dakota?
The licensing agency is South Dakota Board of Technical Professions. Review agency details at https://dlr.sd.gov/btp.
How often do you renew a Mechanical Engineers license in South Dakota?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.