Real Estate Agent in South Dakota

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

Median annual salary

$54,410

trending_down -3.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Dakota.

engineering

330

Jobs (SD)

monitoring Stable

+3.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$519

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies (application within 60 days of exam)

Time to complete

route How to become a real estate agent in South Dakota

To become a Real Estate Agent (Broker Associate) in South Dakota, you must first complete a 116-hour pre-licensing course approved by the South Dakota Real Estate Commission. After completing the education, you need to pass the South Dakota Real Estate Broker Associate Exam, which includes national and state portions. Finally, submit your application with the required fees, proof of E&O insurance, and undergo a background check with fingerprints. South Dakota does not have formal reciprocity with other states, but a licensing-by-endorsement pathway is available for out-of-state licensees.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $40,420

25th percentile $45,330

50th (median) $54,410

75th percentile $77,550

90th (experienced) $94,310

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 Real Estate Commission
State license	Required
Education	116-hour pre-licensing course
Exam	South Dakota Real Estate Broker Associate Exam (PSI) - National and State Portions ($294)
Application fee	$225
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or South Dakota resident, and of reputable character. E&O insurance is required. A background check with fingerprints is mandatory, costing an additional $43.25.

Source: South Dakota Real Estate Commission

workspace_premium South Dakota license tiers

South Dakota offers multiple tiers of real estate agent licensing:

Tier	Hours required
Broker Associate	N/A
Responsible Broker	N/A

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+3.1%

Average

Annual openings

36,600

Nationwide per year

Total employment

420,900

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

error High exposure 0.86/1.00

Many tasks in this career are susceptible to AI automation. Long-term career planning should account for potential disruption.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleSouth Dakota license required — clearer credential signal to employers
warningElevated AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a real estate agent 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.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a real estate agent in South Dakota? expand_more

The path to real estate agent licensure in South Dakota: complete the required education (116-hour pre-licensing course), pass the South Dakota Real Estate Broker Associate Exam (PSI) - National and State Portions, and submit your application ($225 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a real estate agent in South Dakota? expand_more

You cannot practice as a real estate agent in South Dakota without a state license from South Dakota Real Estate Commission. The required exam is the South Dakota Real Estate Broker Associate Exam (PSI) - National and State Portions.

What do real estate agents earn in South Dakota? expand_more

real estate agents in South Dakota earn a median of $54,410 annually. That's roughly in line with the $56,320 national median. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $40,420, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $94,310.

How much does it cost to become a real estate agent in South Dakota? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($294) and application fee ($225) and required training.

How quickly can I become a real estate agent in South Dakota? expand_more

In South Dakota, becoming a real estate agent generally takes Varies (application within 60 days of exam), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

How many CE hours do real estate agents need in South Dakota? expand_more

License renewal in South Dakota requires completing 24.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.