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Nail Technician Licensing in South Dakota

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

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Nail Technician 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

    South Dakota Cosmetology Commission

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $40,210 median (16% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #7 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet South Dakota eligibility requirements for Nail Technician 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 South Dakota Cosmetology Commission and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in South Dakota

With a median salary of $40,210, Nail Technicians in South Dakota earn 16% above the national median of $34,660. South Dakota ranks #7 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

$40,210

Hourly estimate

$19.33
16% above national median

Difference: +$5,550

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$31,420
  • P2525th percentile$34,750
  • P50Median$40,210
  • P7575th percentile$50,410
  • P9090th percentile$51,710

State vs National Median

State: $40,210
National: $34,660

Total employment: 310 | Annual openings: N/A

Nail Technician Salary Ranking

#7 of 50 statesfor Nail Technician median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Kentucky$60,950
#2Maine$49,430
#3Washington$47,840
#4Alaska$46,040
#5New Mexico$42,840

Nearby States Comparison

Nail Technician licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Dakota$40,210Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$30,920Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$36,140Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$38,530Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$36,560Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-17 years
Wyoming$34,660No educational requirementsState exam required3 months
Montana$34,660Specific course requiredState 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.
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

Official website verified

South Dakota Cosmetology Commission

217 W Missouri Ave, Pierre, SD, 57501

Phone: 6057736193

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in South Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$38,960Varies by state boardVaries by board
Cosmetologist$49,050Varies by state boardVaries by board
Esthetician$31,930Varies by state boardVaries by board
Massage Therapist$40,780Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

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

The median annual salary for Nail Technicians in South Dakota is $40,210. Salaries range from $31,420 (10th percentile) to $51,710 (90th percentile).

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

Nail Technicians in South Dakota earn 16% above the national median of $34,660, with a state median of $40,210.

How many Nail Technicians work in South Dakota?

South Dakota employs approximately 310 Nail Technicians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Nail Technician 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 Nail Technicians in South Dakota?

The licensing agency is South Dakota Cosmetology Commission. Review agency details at http://dlr.sd.gov/cosmetology/default.aspx.

How often do you renew a Nail Technician license in South Dakota?

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