EMT in South Dakota

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SD. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$39,520

trending_down -4.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Dakota.

engineering

710

Jobs (SD)

monitoring Strong

+5.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$104

Licensing fees

route How to become an emt in South Dakota

To become a certified EMT in South Dakota, individuals must complete a state-approved EMT training program and pass the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams. The licensing body is the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners (SDBMOE). Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and have current CPR certification. South Dakota also offers reciprocity for EMTs licensed in other states, particularly those within the EMS Compact.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $28,630

25th percentile $35,170

50th (median) $39,520

75th percentile $45,970

90th (experienced) $48,690

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for South Dakota. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist South Dakota requirements

Licensing body	South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners (SDBMOE)
State license	Required
Education	State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.
Exam	NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams ($104)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	20.0 hours per cycle
Reciprocity	South Dakota is a compact state; reciprocity for others requires NREMT certification and application.Reciprocal states: South Dakota participates in the EMS Compact, allowing eligible EMTs licensed in other compact states to practice. For non-compact states, reciprocity may be granted upon completion of a department-approved application, including a current NREMT EMT certification card and current CPR certification. Proof of successfully completing the NREMT EMT examination at least once is required.
Notes	Must be at least 18 years old. Requires a background check and current CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers).

Source: South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners (SDBMOE)

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to South Dakota? See whether South Dakota recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our EMT license reciprocity guide.

workspace_premium South Dakota license tiers

South Dakota offers multiple tiers of emt licensing:

Tier	Hours required
EMR	N/A
EMT	N/A
AEMT	N/A
Paramedic	N/A

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+5.1%

Faster than average

Annual openings

14,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

181,000

Nationwide

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleSouth Dakota license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.1%)

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as an emt in South Dakota? expand_more

In South Dakota, becoming an emt requires you to complete the required education (State-approved EMT training program and High School Diploma/GED.), and pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

Does South Dakota require emt licensure? expand_more

Yes, South Dakota requires a state license to practice as an emt. The licensing body is South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners (SDBMOE). You must pass the NREMT Cognitive and Psychomotor Exams.

How much does an emt make in South Dakota? expand_more

The median emt salary in South Dakota is $39,520 per year. — within a few percent of the $41,340 national figure. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $28,630, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $48,690.

What are the fees to become an emt in South Dakota? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($104). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

Does South Dakota require continuing education for emts? expand_more

South Dakota requires 20.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your emt license.