How to Become a Maintenance Technician in South Dakota

Thinking about a hands-on career that actually pays the bills and stays in demand?

Maintenance technicians keep South Dakota’s buildings, plants, and hospitals running.

The work is steady, the skills are portable, and the path is clear.

You’ll learn electrical basics, mechanical systems, safety, and troubleshooting, then stack credentials that match your job.

Plus, you’ll get the state income tax-free bonus of South Dakota and the beautiful landscapes, from the Badlands to the Plains.

Let’s look at how to get started.

Steps to Become a Maintenance Technician in South Dakota

Getting an education is just as important as getting experience working in the field.

Let’s walk through how to do this in South Dakota without skipping any steps that could make you more of an in-demand candidate.

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED
   Most employers require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Focus on classes in math, science, and shop to build problem-solving and mechanical skills early. A GED is also accepted if you haven’t finished high school. This foundational step sets you up for both entry-level roles and further technical training.
2. Complete a Technical Training Program
   Enroll in a community college or trade school that offers maintenance or industrial technology programs. In South Dakota, options include coursework in electrical systems, HVAC, welding, and blueprint reading. These programs often blend classroom instruction with hands-on labs, giving you the practical skills employers want and helping you stand out from candidates without formal training.
3. Gain On-the-Job Experience
   Entry-level roles such as maintenance helper or apprentice let you apply classroom skills in real-world settings. South Dakota’s manufacturing plants, hospitals, and school districts often hire trainees. Working under experienced technicians helps you learn workplace safety standards, master tools, and understand the day-to-day realities of the job while building a track record for reliability.
4. Pursue Certifications and Specialized Skills
   While not always required, certifications like OSHA safety training, HVAC credentials, or electrical licensing can boost your pay and job prospects. South Dakota employers value candidates who can handle specialized work like programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or advanced welding. The more skills you add, the more indispensable you become to your team.
5. Stay Current with Industry Standards
   Technology and safety regulations change over time. Follow updates from the South Dakota Department of Labor, attend industry workshops, and complete continuing education courses. Staying informed ensures you meet state requirements, work safely, and remain competitive in a job market where employers favor proactive, well-trained technicians.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Maintenance Technician in South Dakota

South Dakota doesn’t require a specific state license to work as a general maintenance technician, but specialized areas do have rules.

HVAC and refrigeration techs in some cities need a “Master Mechanic” license, which requires experience, an exam, and a surety bond.

Handling refrigerants also calls for EPA Section 608 certification.

Electrical maintenance work requires state licensing, including thousands of supervised hours, an exam, and ongoing education.

While not mandated, certifications like ASE for mechanical work or OSHA safety training can boost your skills, pay, and job opportunities. The more credentials you have, the more competitive you’ll be.

Maintenance Technician Programs in South Dakota

You don’t necessarily need a four-year degree to become a maintenance technician in South Dakota.

Here are some shorter programs that still get you qualified for most entry-level jobs.

No matter which path you choose, we recommend you look for a program that has a high job placement rate.

Lake Area Technical College

Mitchell Technical College, in Watertown, offers several niche programs that fit into maintenance technician duties.

First, consider the Manufacturing Maintenance certificate program.

This is the broadest program for maintenance technicians, covering basic repair problems and solutions.

The program runs for two semesters and costs about $5,800.

From there, explore the list of 18-month programs, which include automotive technology, electrical systems, diesel technology, and aviation maintenance technology.

Expect to pay anywhere from $244 to $291 per credit hour.

Mitchell Technical College

If you’re looking at Mitchell Technical College, a few programs stand out for anyone aiming to be a maintenance tech.

The Electrical Construction & Maintenance AAS teaches wiring, blueprint reading, and PLCs, plus it counts toward your journeyman hours.

Power Line Construction & Maintenance gives you real-world training on poles, equipment, and high-voltage safety.

The Utilities Technology AAS lets you combine two programs, such as HVAC and power line, for broader skills.

Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology covers electronics, hydraulics, GPS, and diagnostics for farm equipment, with built-in internships.

Each one is hands-on, practical, and designed to get you job-ready fast.

Each credit hour costs between $238 and $253, which does include tuition and all associated fees.

Western Dakota Technical College

The degree programs at Western Dakota Technical College include several that appeal to aspiring maintenance technicians.

The Electrical Trades program teaches wiring, circuits, and system troubleshooting with plenty of lab time.

HVAC and Refrigeration Technology blends classroom learning with real troubleshooting practice, so you’re ready for the job from day one.

Diesel Technology focuses on trucks, tractors, and heavy equipment, covering everything from modern control systems to engine repair.

Automotive Technology sharpens your diagnostic and repair skills for entry-level mechanic roles.

Salary

The annual salary for a maintenance technician ranges a bit across the state.

Let’s break down the median, highest, and lowest wages to see which city might be best for your career.

• Aberdeen: $50,067 (median) | $61,004 (highest) | $41,241 (lowest)
• Sioux Falls: $54,920 (median) | $66,916 (highest) | $45,239 (lowest)
• Watertown: $54,012 (median) | $65,881 (highest) | $44,491 (lowest)
• Rapid City, SD: $53,843 (median) | $65,604 (highest) | $44,351 (lowest)

Again, South Dakota doesn’t have a state income tax, so you’ll get to take home a little more than if you were in neighboring states like North Dakota or Nebraska.

Regional Salary in South Dakota

Maintenance Technician by State