South Dakota Home Repair Guide
In South Dakota, the median wage is $24.82 an hour for plumbers and $29.51 for electricians (BLS, 2025). This page shows what common repairs cost there, and who needs a license.
Who needs a license in South Dakota
| Trade | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| General contractor | Anyone who signs a construction services contract or handles building, installation or repair of a fixture to real property must have a South Dakota contractor's tax license. This is a tax license with a 2% excise tax on gross receipts, not a competency license. | Source |
| Plumber | Commercial and rental properties in South Dakota must be plumbed by a licensed South Dakota plumbing contractor. | Source |
| Electrician | The South Dakota Electrical Commission licenses all electricians within the state. | Source |
Can homeowners do their own work?
An owner may personally install electrical wiring in a home they own and occupy with an approved homeowner permit obtained before starting any electrical work. Homeowner plumbing permits are for single-family dwellings only, and neither exemption applies to commercial or rental property. Source
File a complaint against a contractor: South Dakota Electrical Commission, Consumer Complaints
What common jobs cost in South Dakota
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater Replacement | $720 | $1,950 |
| Roof Replacement | $6,300 | $19,300 |
| AC Replacement | $3,800 | $9,050 |
| Furnace Replacement | $2,950 | $8,350 |
| Toilet Replacement | $210 | $840 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $990 | $3,100 |
| Drain Cleaning | $80 | $330 |
| Garage Door Repair | $80 | $610 |
Hourly rates in South Dakota
| Trade | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $24.82 | $62 | $112 |
| Electrician | $29.51 | $74 | $133 |
| HVAC Technician | $29.51 | $74 | $133 |
| Handyman | $23.13 | $58 | $104 |
| Roofer | $22.94 | $57 | $103 |
| Carpenter | $23.14 | $58 | $104 |
| Painter | $23.15 | $58 | $104 |
Licensing last verified 2026-11-03
Sources
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.