Electrician Responsibilties:
Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
Electrician Benefits:
Electricians enjoy stable careers with competitive salaries, overtime, and benefits in a growing industry. The field offers clear paths for advancement, from apprentice to master electrician, with corresponding pay increases.
All South Dakota electricians must be licensed to perform any type of electrical work in the state.
The different types of electrical licenses in South Dakota are apprentice electrician, journeyman electrician, and electrical contractor.
Apprentice electricians assist journeyman electricians and electrical contractors with the maintenance, modification, and installation of electrical systems in South Dakota. Applicants must:
Journeyman electricians install and maintain electrical control systems and wiring. They supervise electrician apprentices. Applicants must:
Electrical contractors supervise journeyman electricians and apprentice electricians. They install, repair, and maintain electrical systems in commercial and residential properties. Applicants must:
South Dakota electrical licenses are issued by the South Dakota Electrical Commission. The average hourly pay for South Dakota electricians is $32.15.
Apply for a South Dakota electrician apprenticeship, and work as a registered apprentice for a minimum of four years. Then, pass the journeyman exam and apply for a journeyman license. After working as a journeyman for two years, pass the electrical contractor examination and apply for an electrical contractor’s license.
Electrician Apprenticeship Programs
South Dakota electrician apprenticeships offer on-the-job training, electrical courses, and a salary. Each apprenticeship has different requirements for enrollment. Trade schools cost as much as $10,000 for tuition. Accredited schools have financial aid options for students.
Apprenticeship Program Prerequisites
On-the-Job Experience
South Dakota Electrical License Information:
After you apply for a license, the South Dakota Electrical Commission will send examination information to you via mail. You must take the exam within 90 days of approval.
South Dakota Electrician Examination Content
Examination Study Resources
You must pay dues when you join a union. However, membership offers benefits. More than 93% of union members have health insurance. Union members get pension benefits and vacation pay. Unions protect members from on-the-job harassment and unsafe work conditions.
Getting an electrician job requires you to implement a consistent job search strategy. Apply the following tips to get a job and ace your next job interview:
Where to Find Electrician Jobs
Electrician Job Search Tips
Helpful Electrician Job Interview Tips
Electricians are exposed to a variety of hazards each day. Faulty wires cause property fires and electrical system failure. Wires burn and shock electricians.
The South Dakota Electrical Commission requires all applicants to have general liability coverage. The minimum electrician license coverage is $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 for property damage and bodily injury.
If employers have the required amount of insurance, electricians do not need a separate policy. However, self-employed technicians are required to have their own insurance.
Cybersecurity threats are a major concern for utility companies and small businesses. Companies hire electricians to secure power grid lines to prevent cybersecurity attacks. New electrical technology is being created to improve efficiency in the electrical industry. At electrical industry trade shows, electricians get access to the latest technology. Homes that are over 40 years old do not have the capacity to meet current electrical demands. Homeowners hire electricians to rewire old electrical systems.
South Dakota has reciprocity agreements with the following states:
If you change your name or address or misplace your card, contact the South Dakota Electrical Commission to change your name.
During the renewal period, you must take an 8-hour recertification course before you renew your license. South Dakota electrical licenses expire on June 30 of even-numbered years. The electrical license renewal fee is $40.
See all jobs, apprenticeships, and trade schools
Want to get into this trade?
Find jobs near you