Paramedic 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

$210

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a paramedic in South Dakota

To become a licensed Paramedic in South Dakota, individuals must complete a Board-approved Paramedic program, pass the NREMT cognitive and psychomotor exams, and hold current CPR-BLS and ACLS certifications. Licensure is granted by the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners. South Dakota participates in the EMS Compact, facilitating reciprocity for paramedics licensed in other compact states, and also offers reciprocity for those with current NREMT certification or out-of-state licensure. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check.

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
State license	Required
Education	State-approved Paramedic program, current CPR-BLS for Healthcare Provider certification, and current ACLS Provider certification.
Exam	NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor) ($160)
Application fee	$50
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	60.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age of 18. Must pass a background check. State licensing is not valid until employed by an agency and the Medical Director for that agency has signed the Paramedic Affiliation Form. Renewal requires maintaining NREMT certification or completing 60 hours of advanced life support CEUs.

Source: South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners

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

What's required to work as a paramedic in South Dakota? expand_more

To become a paramedic in South Dakota, you need to complete the required education (State-approved Paramedic program, current CPR-BLS for Healthcare Provider certification, and current ACLS Provider certification.), pass the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor), and submit your application ($50 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a paramedic in South Dakota? expand_more

South Dakota mandates state licensure for paramedics. South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners oversees the process, which includes passing the NREMT Paramedic (Cognitive and Psychomotor).

What is the average paramedic salary in South Dakota? expand_more

In South Dakota, the median pay for paramedics comes to $39,520/year. That's roughly in line with the $41,340 national median. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $28,630, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $48,690.

What's the total cost to get paramedic certified in South Dakota? expand_more

Between exam fee ($160) and application fee ($50), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How quickly can I become a paramedic in South Dakota? expand_more

Most candidates in South Dakota complete the process in 1-2 years, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

What's required to renew a paramedic license in South Dakota? expand_more

South Dakota requires 60.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your paramedic license.