How to Become a Plumber in South Dakota

In times of crisis, having a lucrative occupation means never being without employment.

This is the case for the plumbers in South Dakota, and if you want to join them, this article talks about what you need to do to get started.

Plumber Job Description and Requirements

Plumbers will work with various piping systems, either on private properties or on commercial ones.

They hold a rather dangerous position as they’re supposed to work with water, gas, and waste pipes.

Each of these systems is dangerous in a different way.

Their daily tasks include:

• Installing, maintaining, or repairing the water systems
• Reading, interpreting, and/or designing blueprints
• Making sure the safety standards in the state are met
• Measure, calculate and cut pipes if needed
• Know how to appropriately use the plumbing tools to complete a task

The main requirements for the job are:

• Being at least 18 years old
• Having a clean criminal record
• Being allowed to work in the US
• Having a high school diploma or GED
• Knowing English and math
• Being physically able to complete the daily tasks
• Holding a license

Generally, if you want a plumbing license you need to first undergo some sort of training.

Earning the Plumber Apprentice’s License

An apprentice is an individual who learns a trade while working for a licensed professional, and under their supervision.

In South Dakota, apprentices need to earn an apprentice license as well.

To do so, you’ll need to:

• Download and fill out the application form
• Mention on the form, the name of the licensed plumber you’re assisting
• Pay the application fee -$10

The application must be sent to the South Dakota Plumbing Commission who oversees these traders.

In this state, apprentices can work on their own on single-family dwellings if:

• They accumulated 3,800 hours of experience
• They pass the exam

During this training period, expect to learn how to or about:

• Draft,
• Mathematics,
• Science,
• Sprinkler installation,
• Pipefitting
• Reading blueprints

Another way of learning the trade is by enrolling in a vocational school or in a training program developed for adult learning.

With this option, your chances of climbing the career ladder in the plumbing industry are higher.

Do know that for either the apprenticeship or the vocational school, you’ll have to attend classroom education and hands-on experience.

Earning the Journeyman Plumber License

Once you complete your apprenticeship you can become a journeyman plumber.

For this you’ll need to meet these requirements:

• Fill out the application form
• Attach proof of experience
• Proof you accumulated 1,900 hours per years as an apprentice, for a total of 4 years
• Pay the application fee – $205

Those who have been in the military can earn 1 credit year for every 2 years in the military.

You cannot accumulate more than 5 years of credit.

Earning the Plumbing Contractor’s License

In South Dakota, plumbers have the possibility of becoming contractors.

To do so, they need to meet these requirements:

• Fill out the application form
• Show proof of 6 years of experience as a plumber journeyman
• Pay the fee – $375

Plumber Salary And Employment Information

Plumbers start earning money at an early point in their careers.

The entry-level salary is much lower compared to those with more experience.

In South Dakota, average salaries are higher in cities like Sioux Falls, Brookings, Watertown, and Mitchell, with the last three cities being at a tie.

Regional Salary in South Dakota

Additional Information

There are a few other aspects of being a plumber that you should know about.

For instance, in most states, plumbers can use their license in the issuing state, with little possibility of having it recognized in a different state.

In South Dakota, those who earned their plumbing licenses in a different state can use the license reciprocity agreement to get licensed here as well.

The conditions are:

• That the state is one of the ones below:
  • Minnesota
  • North Dakota
  • Montana
  • Colorado
• To pay the fee

These professionals can accumulate expertise in several related areas, such as:

• Sewer and water installer or contractor
• Appliance installer or contractor
• Water conditioning installer or contractor
• Mobile home installer or contractor
• Underground irrigation installer or contractor

To earn a license in these areas you’ll need appropriate training, filling out the appropriate application form, and pay the associated fees.

The fee to become an installer in these fields is $165, but for the contractor’s license, the fee varies.

Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in South Dakota

Plumbing License by City

Plumbing License by State