Introduction
Home to the majestic Mount Rushmore, South Dakota experiences four distinct seasons. Summers can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, while winter lows often dip below zero. These temperature extremes necessitate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for comfort, creating numerous opportunities for HVAC professionals across the state.
Fortunately, there are numerous professional organizations in South Dakota that provide networking opportunities, educational resources, and support for HVAC technicians. For example, the South Dakota chapter of the Association of General Contractors offers training and support for the HVAC industry, including workplace health and safety training and legislative initiatives. Additionally, the South Dakota Association Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors, Inc. (PHCC) provides continuing education opportunities and an apprenticeship program for HVAC workers.
Demand for HVAC Technicians in South Dakota
The demand for HVAC technicians continues to grow both nationwide and within South Dakota. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023, HVAC job openings are expected to grow by 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average growth rate for all U.S. occupations. In South Dakota, Projections Central anticipates a 10.4 percent increase in HVAC openings between 2020 and 2030, adding approximately 120 jobs.
Several factors contribute to the growth of the HVAC industry in South Dakota and beyond:
- New buildings require climate control systems.
- Modern HVAC equipment and systems are increasingly complex.
- Homeowners and building managers are focusing on energy efficiency and pollution reduction, leading to the replacement, retrofitting, or repair of older systems.
The BLS (2023) reports that approximately 9 percent of HVAC-R technicians are self-employed, while 64 percent work for plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractors. The remainder are employed by schools or retail and wholesale organizations. Most technicians work full-time and may work evenings, weekends, and overtime during peak seasons.
Schools in South Dakota
Mitchell Technical College
1800 E. Spruce Street
Mitchell, South Dakota 57301
Phone: (605) 995-3025
URL: mitchelltech.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1203
- Total Faculty: 81
Southeast Technical College
2320 N Career Ave
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57107-1301
Phone: (605) 367-7624
URL: www.southeasttech.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2453
- Total Faculty: 267
Western Dakota Technical College
800 Mickelson Dr
Rapid City, South Dakota 57703-4018
Phone: (605) 718-2400
URL: www.wdt.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1267
- Total Faculty: 107
HVAC Worker Salaries in South Dakota
HVAC mechanics and installers in the United States earn comfortable wages, often starting their careers with less than two years of postsecondary education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023, the average annual salary for the 397,450 HVAC workers nationwide is $59,620. In South Dakota, the 930 HVAC professionals earn slightly less, with an average annual salary of $49,850.
Here are the detailed salary percentiles for HVAC professionals in the United States compared to South Dakota:
| Percentile | United States | South Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary | $59,620 | $49,850 |
| 10th Percentile | $37,270 | $32,450 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,550 | $38,720 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $57,300 | $47,470 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,120 | $56,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $84,250 | $64,850 |
Another data source, PayScale (April 2024), which relies on self-reported salaries, shows the following percentiles for HVAC workers nationwide:
- 10th Percentile: $29,000
- 50th Percentile (Median): $55,000
- 90th Percentile: $83,000
HVAC Certification and Licensing in South Dakota
Federal law requires all HVAC technicians who work with refrigerants to obtain the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Section 608 certification. Certification requires passing an exam on the safe handling of refrigerants.
The Section 608 certification is available in the following types:
- Type I: Technicians may work on small appliances
- Type II: Technicians may service high-pressure and very high-pressure appliances
- Type III: Technicians may service low-pressure appliances
- Universal: Technicians may service all types of equipment
Additionally, technicians can obtain certifications recognized nationwide from industry organizations such as:
- HVAC Excellence: Established in 1994 to improve the competency of HVAC-R technicians. They offer several certifications, including Master Specialist for the best of the best.
- North American Technician Excellence (NATE): Certifies the knowledge and competency of HVAC-R technicians in specific areas of installation and service.
- Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES): Offers training and testing designed to certify the competency of HVAC-R technicians.
Each organization determines its own requirements, fees, and expiration dates for certifications. For a detailed look at national credentials, check out the main HVAC certifications page.
The state of South Dakota does not require HVAC technicians to be licensed, but cities have their own licensing, permitting, and certification requirements. These requirements primarily pertain to HVAC contractors rather than employees. For example, an HVAC contractor in Sioux Falls must take the Master Mechanic exam and post a $10,000 compliance bond.