Best Trade Schools in Sioux Falls, South Dakota (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in Sioux Falls. This guide compares accredited programs, explains South Dakota licensing, and points you to high-demand trades. Skilled careers like electrical, HVAC, welding, and plumbing show steady job openings and solid pay, according to federal data¹.

Top Trade Schools in Sioux Falls

All schools below hold recognized institutional or program accreditation. Program lengths are typical full-time timelines.

Tip: Use College Navigator to confirm current accreditations and program approvals before enrolling².

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

• Work includes installing and maintaining wiring, panels, and controls in homes, businesses, and industry. BLS reports steady demand and above-median pay for electricians nationally¹. In Sioux Falls, you can start through an apprenticeship or train at Southeast Tech, then test with the South Dakota Electrical Commission.

HVAC/R Technician

• HVAC techs service heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Employers value EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerant handling⁶. Southeast Tech offers HVAC/R training with lab time. Many Sioux Falls mechanical contractors sponsor apprentices and entry-level techs.

Welder

• Welders build and repair metal structures across construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Local shops favor candidates with solid SMAW, GMAW, and FCAW skills and AWS test readiness. Southeast Tech and regional colleges offer hands-on labs and fabrication practice. Demand remains stable for skilled welders in production and field roles¹.

Plumber

• Plumbers install and repair piping, fixtures, and gas lines. Licensing is handled by the South Dakota Plumbing Commission. Apprentices log hours under licensed contractors, then sit for journeyman and contractor exams⁷. Sioux Falls construction growth keeps plumbing apprenticeships active¹.

Explore more careers and training paths in our trade hub: All Skilled Trades.

Licensing Requirements in South Dakota

Electricians (South Dakota Electrical Commission)

• Apprentice: Register with the Commission and work under supervision while completing documented on-the-job hours (commonly 8,000 over 4 years)⁸.
• Journeyman: Meet experience requirements, apply, and pass the journeyman exam⁸.
• Electrical Contractor (Master): Additional experience, responsibilities, and exam. Required to pull permits and supervise installations⁸.
• Local note: Sioux Falls requires permits and inspections; contractors must hold appropriate state and local credentials.

Plumbers (South Dakota Plumbing Commission)

• Apprentice: Register and work under a licensed plumber while accumulating required hours (typically 4 years/7,600–8,000 hours)⁷.
• Journeyman: Apply when hours are met and pass the journeyman exam⁷.
• Plumbing Contractor: Additional experience plus contractor exam for business owners/supervisors⁷.
• Local note: City of Sioux Falls enforces permits and inspections for plumbing work.

HVAC/Mechanical

• South Dakota has no single statewide HVAC technician license. However, the City of Sioux Falls licenses mechanical contractors and enforces permit requirements through Building Services⁹. Technicians who handle refrigerants must hold EPA Section 608 certification⁶.

Welding

• No South Dakota state license for welders. Many employers require passing AWS code tests (such as D1.1 structural) or shop procedure qualifications¹⁰.

Cosmetology/Barbering

• South Dakota requires state licensure. Typical hour requirements: Cosmetology 1,500 hours; Esthetics and Nail Technology have separate hour standards. Graduates must pass theory and practical exams recognized by the Board⁷.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

• Complete FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with an approved provider, pass CDL knowledge and skills tests, and obtain a DOT medical card. South Dakota issues CDL through state testing sites; schools may provide ELDT and road-test scheduling support¹⁰.

Always verify the latest steps and forms with the relevant state board or local authority before you enroll or test.

Online & Flexible Options

• Hybrid trade programs: Southeast Technical College offers a mix of classroom, lab, and some online coursework for select programs. Hands-on labs and clinicals still require in-person attendance.
• Healthcare programs: Local hospital-based radiography programs are full time and hands-on, but didactic portions may include online elements. Confirm schedules directly with the school.
• Short-term upskilling: Many schools and employer partners offer evening or weekend welding booths, OSHA-10/30, CPR, and manufacturer trainings that fit around work.
• Apprenticeships: Earn a paycheck while you train. Many Sioux Falls contractors hire entry-level helpers and register them as apprentices with the state, combining job hours and related technical instruction.
• Test prep and compliance: EPA 608, OSHA, and code-update classes are often available in flexible or online formats through colleges or employer associations⁶.

Next Steps

• Compare programs statewide: South Dakota Trade School Hub
• Browse all trades and career guides: Trade Careers and Guides
• Learn about specific careers:
  • Electrician
  • HVAC
  • Welding
  • Plumbing
• New to trade school? Start at the main hub: Trade Schools

Choose one or two programs, visit campus, and ask about placement rates, certification pass rates, and apprenticeships. Then apply early to hold your seat.

Explore Related Topics:

• Best Electrician Schools in South Dakota