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Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in South Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators 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 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Dakota

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $54,090 median (7% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #34 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet South Dakota eligibility requirements for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators 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 Agriculture & Natural Resources and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in South Dakota

With a median salary of $54,090, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in South Dakota earn 7% below the national median of $58,260. South Dakota ranks #34 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

$54,090

Hourly estimate

$26.00
7% below national median

Difference: -$4,170

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$43,000
  • P2525th percentile$47,230
  • P50Median$54,090
  • P7575th percentile$62,900
  • P9090th percentile$74,220

State vs National Median

State: $54,090
National: $58,260

Total employment: 1,040 | Annual openings: N/A

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking

#34 of 50 statesfor Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$82,100
#2Nevada$79,140
#3Washington$78,810
#4Alaska$76,910
#5New Jersey$75,200

Nearby States Comparison

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Dakota$54,090Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$58,250Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$70,470Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$59,400Specific course requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Nebraska$57,640Varies by state boardState-approved exam2 years
Wyoming$60,580Specific course requiredState exam required1-3 years
Montana$59,960No 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 Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa66MediumDocumented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wyoming50LowState-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 Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources

523 E Capitol Ave, Joe Foss Building, 3rd Floor, Pierre, SD, 57501

Phone: 6057733754

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in South Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$78,140Varies by state boardVaries by board
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$48,410Varies by state boardVaries by board
Carpenter$46,500Varies by state boardVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$63,320Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators 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 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in South Dakota?

The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in South Dakota is $54,090. Salaries range from $43,000 (10th percentile) to $74,220 (90th percentile).

How does the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in South Dakota compare to the national average?

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in South Dakota earn 7% below the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $54,090.

How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss work in South Dakota?

South Dakota employs approximately 1,040 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators 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 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in South Dakota?

The licensing agency is South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources. Review agency details at https://danr.sd.gov/OfficeOfWater/OperatorCert/default.aspx.

How often do you renew a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators license in South Dakota?

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