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Surveyor Licensing in South Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for surveyor 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 Surveyor 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 Board of Technical Professions

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $86,260 median (19% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #5 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 86,260, Surveyors in South Dakota earn 19% above the national median of $72,740. South Dakota ranks #5 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,123

Median annual salary

$86,260

Hourly estimate

$41.47
19% above national median

Difference: +$13,520

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$65,520
  • P2525th percentile$74,140
  • P50Median$86,260
  • P7575th percentile$98,170
  • P9090th percentile$129,990

State vs National Median

State: $86,260
National: $72,740

Total employment: 170 | Annual openings: N/A

Surveyor Salary Ranking

#5 of 50 statesfor Surveyor median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California103,790
#2New Jersey93,260
#3Washington88,340
#4Oregon87,730
#5South Dakota86,260

Nearby States Comparison

Surveyor licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Dakota$86,260Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
North Dakota$78,750No educational requirementsBoth state and third-party exams required6-24 months
Minnesota$46,610Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Iowa$76,720Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams required6-24 months
Nebraska$66,020Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Wyoming$77,320Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Montana$79,230No educational requirementsNo 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 Board of Technical Professions

2525 West Main St Suite 211, Rapid City, SD, 57702

Phone: 6053942510

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in South Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$102,420Varies by state board6-24 months
Certified Public Accountant$77,310Varies by state board6-24 months
Civil Engineer$95,110Varies by state board6-24 months
Financial Advisor$123,380Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

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

The median annual salary for Surveyors in South Dakota is 86,260. Salaries range from $65,520 (10th percentile) to $129,990 (90th percentile).

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

Surveyors in South Dakota earn 19% above the national median of $72,740, with a state median of 86,260.

How many Surveyors work in South Dakota?

South Dakota employs approximately 170 Surveyors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Surveyor 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 Surveyors in South Dakota?

The licensing agency is South Dakota Board of Technical Professions. Review agency details at https://dlr.sd.gov/btp.