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Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Licensing in South Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mental health and substance abuse social workers 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 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in South Dakota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Social Workers Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $49,560 median (17% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #35 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet South Dakota eligibility requirements for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Social Workers Examiners and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in South Dakota

With a median salary of $49,560, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in South Dakota earn 17% below the national median of $60,060. South Dakota ranks #35 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

$49,560

Hourly estimate

$23.83
17% below national median

Difference: -$10,500

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$40,060
  • P2525th percentile$43,420
  • P50Median$49,560
  • P7575th percentile$56,830
  • P9090th percentile$69,990

State vs National Median

State: $49,560
National: $60,060

Total employment: 240 | Annual openings: N/A

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Ranking

#35 of 50 statesfor Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York$80,230
#2Connecticut$78,820
#3Minnesota$77,100
#4California$75,320
#5Oregon$71,830

Nearby States Comparison

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Dakota$49,560Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$61,660Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$77,100Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Iowa$50,340Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$45,120Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-19 years
Wyoming$42,220Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Montana$43,880Degree requiredThird-party 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.
Minnesota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Iowa50LowState-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

Official website verified

Social Workers Examiners

810 N Main St Ste 298, Spearfish, SD, 57783

Phone: 6056421600

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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Athletic Trainer$54,200Varies by state boardVaries by board
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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 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 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in South Dakota is $49,560. Salaries range from $40,060 (10th percentile) to $69,990 (90th percentile).

How does the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in South Dakota earn 17% below the national median of $60,060, with a state median of $49,560.

How many Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss work in South Dakota?

South Dakota employs approximately 240 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 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 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in South Dakota?

The licensing agency is Social Workers Examiners. Review agency details at https://dss.sd.gov/licensingboards/socialwork/social.aspx.

How often do you renew a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers license in South Dakota?

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