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Verified by SD Board of Transportation

Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in South Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) 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 Truck Driver (CDL) in South Dakota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Continuing education and program notes

  • centrally

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    South Dakota Department of Public Safety

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $56,880 median (1% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #28 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet South Dakota eligibility requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit the application to South Dakota Department of Public Safety and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in South Dakota

With a median salary of $56,880, Truck Driver (CDL)s in South Dakota earn 1% below the national median of $57,440. South Dakota ranks #28 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

$56,880

Hourly estimate

$27.35
1% below national median

Difference: -$560

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$44,210
  • P2525th percentile$48,690
  • P50Median$56,880
  • P7575th percentile$62,830
  • P9090th percentile$80,600

State vs National Median

State: $56,880
National: $57,440

Total employment: 5,990 | Annual openings: N/A

Truck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking

#28 of 50 statesfor Truck Driver (CDL) median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska$64,890
#2New Jersey$64,720
#3Washington$63,760
#4Oregon$61,180
#5Minnesota$61,090

Nearby States Comparison

Truck Driver (CDL) licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Dakota$56,880Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$58,970No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$61,090Varies by state boardState-approved exam21 years
Iowa$55,080No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Nebraska$57,940Varies by state boardState-approved exam18-21 years
Wyoming$60,270No educational requirementsState exam required18-21 years
Montana$59,060No educational requirementsState 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 Dakota54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wyoming62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
  • 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 Department of Public Safety

118 W Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD, 57501

Phone: 6057736883

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in South Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$78,140Varies by state boardVaries by board
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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) 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 Truck Driver (CDL) salary in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in South Dakota is $56,880. Salaries range from $44,210 (10th percentile) to $80,600 (90th percentile).

How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?

Truck Driver (CDL)s in South Dakota earn 1% below the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $56,880.

How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in South Dakota?

South Dakota employs approximately 5,990 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) 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 Truck Driver (CDL)s in South Dakota?

The licensing agency is South Dakota Department of Public Safety. Review agency details at https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing/commercial-drivers-license.

How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in South Dakota?

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