Pharmacy Technician in South Dakota

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

Median annual salary
$43,760
trending_up +0.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Dakota.

engineering
1,270

Jobs (SD)

monitoring Strong
+6.4%

10-yr job growth

payments
$154

Licensing fees

schedule
3-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a pharmacy technician in South Dakota

To become a pharmacy technician in South Dakota, you must register with the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy. Key steps include being at least 16 years old, possessing a high school diploma or GED, and securing employment as a pharmacy technician in the state, applying for registration within 30 days of hire. While not required for initial registration, national certification (PTCB or ExCPT) is mandatory within two years of initial registration and must be maintained for renewal. There is no reciprocity, so all applicants must meet the state's requirements as new registrants.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,990
25th percentile $37,440
50th (median) $43,760
75th percentile $47,730
90th (experienced) $51,930

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

checklist South Dakota requirements

Licensing bodySouth Dakota Board of Pharmacy
State license Required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED. National certification (PTCB or ExCPT) is required within two years of initial registration. Completion of a board-approved training program is also required.
ExamPTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT) ($129)
Application fee$25
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
Continuing education6.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age is 16. Must be currently employed as a pharmacy technician in South Dakota and apply within 30 days of hire. National certification (PTCB or ExCPT) is required within two years of initial registration and must be maintained for renewal. For 2026-27 renewals, technicians must have completed 6 hours of CE or be nationally certified. The state registration does not include a background check, but applicants are required to self-declare convictions. There is no reciprocity; applicants must fulfill all criteria as new registrants.

Source: South Dakota Board of Pharmacy

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+6.4%
Faster than average
Annual openings
49,000
Nationwide per year
Total employment
490,400
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure 0.01/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleSouth Dakota license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+6.4%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a pharmacy technician career is the right fit?
See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.
arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a pharmacy technician in South Dakota? expand_more
To become a pharmacy technician in South Dakota, you need to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED. National certification (PTCB or ExCPT) is required within two years of initial registration. Completion of a board-approved training program is also required.), pass the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT), and submit your application ($25 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a pharmacy technician in South Dakota? expand_more
Yes, South Dakota requires a state license to practice as a pharmacy technician. The licensing body is South Dakota Board of Pharmacy. You must pass the PTCB (PTCE) or NHA (ExCPT).
How much do pharmacy technicians make in South Dakota? expand_more
The median pharmacy technician salary in South Dakota is $43,760 per year. That's roughly in line with the $43,460 national median. The range spans from $35,990 at the entry level to $51,930 for top earners.
How much does it cost to become a pharmacy technician in South Dakota? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($129) and application fee ($25) plus your education and training.
How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in South Dakota? expand_more
Expect to spend 3-12 months from start to finish in South Dakota — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
Does South Dakota require continuing education for pharmacy technicians? expand_more
To keep your license active, South Dakota mandates 6.0 CE hours every 1.0 year.

Explore more