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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 12, 2026

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: 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 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 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 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 6-24 months.

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
#1Kentucky60,950
#2Maine49,430
#3Washington47,840
#4Alaska46,040
#5New Mexico42,840

Nearby States Comparison

Nail Technician licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Dakota$40,210Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
North Dakota$30,920Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Minnesota$36,140Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Iowa$38,530Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Nebraska$36,560Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Wyoming$34,660No educational requirementsState exam required6-24 months
Montana$34,660Specific course requiredState 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 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

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 board6-24 months
Cosmetologist$49,050Varies by state board6-24 months
Esthetician$31,930Varies by state board6-24 months
Massage Therapist$40,780Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Nail Technician 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 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.