How much does a General Contractor license cost in South Dakota?

Getting a General Contractor license in South Dakota costs $790 upfront (exam fee $340, application fee $250, license fee $200). Renewal runs $250 every 2 years.

How much do licensed general contractors earn in South Dakota?

Licensed general contractors in South Dakota earn a median salary of $55,250/year, compared to $40,800/year without the license.

How many CE hours are required to renew a General Contractor license in South Dakota?

South Dakota requires 20 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew a General Contractor license.

General Contractor Licenses › South Dakota

General Contractor License Cost in South Dakota 2026: $790 Fees, $55K Salary

Getting a General Contractor license in South Dakota costs $790 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.7 months.

General Contractor License in South Dakota — Key Numbers

$790

Upfront Cost

$55K

Median Salary (Licensed)

$250

Renewal (every 2 yrs)

0.7 mo

Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

General Contractor License Cost Breakdown — South Dakota

Exam fee $340

Application fee $250

Initial license fee $200

Total upfront $790

Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $250

CE hours required per cycle 20 hours

Salary without license (South Dakota) $40,800/yr

Salary with license (South Dakota) $55,250/yr

5-year net ROI $71K

Licensing body: South Dakota Contractors Licensing Board. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

General Contractor License in South Dakota — What to Know

South Dakota contractor licensing requirements vary — some states require state-level GC licensing, others delegate to counties or municipalities. The $55K median is for experienced licensed GCs. Check your specific county or city requirements, as local jurisdictions sometimes have additional licensing requirements beyond the state level. The exam (where required) typically covers building codes and business practices. Insurance and surety bond requirements add ongoing cost to the license.

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← All states: General Contractor License Costs

All certifications in South Dakota · Payback period by state

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